Coventry Trading Standards officers have wasted no time in using new powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for selling alcohol to underage buyers.

Within two weeks of being accredited by Chris Sims, Chief Constable for West Midlands Police, Trading Standards in Coventry conducted a test purchasing exercise that resulted in the issuing of two Fixed Penalties Notices.

The new powers offer greater flexibility in enforcing the law in relation to underage sales of alcohol, and offer a short, sharp and efficient means of dealing with sales assistants who sell alcohol to persons who are underage.

Dayle Speed, Licensing Inspector for West Midlands Police, said "We work closely with Trading Standards and see this as an additional tool that they can use to help protect local communities. It certainly seems that they have hit the ground running."

Councillor Phil Townshend, cabinet member for Corporate and Neighbourhood Services, said: "This is good news for the people of Coventry and also for the Trading Standards team. It means that they can now stamp their authority quickly and efficiently and businesses will be reminded that they have to sell their products responsibly."

Allan Harwood, Principal Trading Standards Officer in Coventry, said: "Fixed Penalty Notices will only be issued where appropriate, they are one of a range of measures available to us, but are seen as an important development enabling us to tackle underage sales of alcohol and the anti-social behaviour that can result from them, particularly in the summer months."

If local residents have concerns about a shop they believe may be selling alcohol, cigarettes, fireworks, or any other age-restricted product to young people they should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 who will forward the details on to Trading Standards for action.