POLICE questioned young drinkers in a Hoylake pub - not far from where the town's MP lives - as part of a clamp down on under-age drinkers.

They were asked for proof of age and some were later cautioned in the presence of their parents.

The clampdown comes at a time when Wirral West MP David Hunt successfully sponsored a Private Member's Bill to tackle under-age drinking.

Mr Hunt is also concerned about under-age teenagers drinking in public places. "It is not an offence for a person under 18 to drink alcohol in public. I am therefore pleased to support legislation which will give the police powers to plug this loophole," he said.

On the last day of Parliament, the Bill became law. Police now have the power to confiscate alcohol from under-18s.

One 17-year-old Hoylake drinker said: "There isn't anything else to do in the Hoylake and West Kirby area. Many of my friends are over 18 and we like to meet up in a pub. We're better behaved than some of the older people. We certainly wouldn't drink in the streets."

He added: "I don't do drugs and I don't see any harm in drinking in a pub in moderation. Most parents know where their children are and prefer them to be in a place where they know they will be safe, rather than roaming the streets."

Mr Hunt's neighbouring MP, newly elected Ben Chapman, attends an important meeting in Heswall tonight seeking to establish an alcohol-free pub, in the Heswall area for youngsters.

"I am delighted to support this initiative by the Council of Churches," he said. "It is crucial to give younger people alternative places to go, keeping them off the streets away from alcohol."

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