A MAJOR crackdown on the illegal sale of age-restricted goods is being staged in Droitwich.

Town supermarkets, newsagents and convenience stores have teamed up to promote a stringent No ID No Sale message to teenagers.

Supported by the police, Trading Standards officers and the Government, the campaign aims to prevent the sale of items such as alcohol, tobacco, solvents and fireworks to under-age youngsters.

Teenagers will be asked to prove that they are 18 or over when buying alcohol, solvents or fireworks and 16 or over when trying to purchase tobacco and lottery tickets.

They are also being encouraged to apply for identification cards.

At the town's Spar store, in Ombersley Street East, Jack Singh welcomed the No ID No Sale policy, adding that his staff often suffer abuse when refusing a sale.

"We often get youngsters trying to buy alcohol or cigarettes. It's very difficult to tell their real age, so we have to ask for ID. Unfortunately, customers without ID often become abusive, so to prevent this we hand out a CitizenCard application form and tell them to get a card."

The stringent approach to the sale of certain goods has in turn seen an increased number of teenagers in the Droitwich area starting to apply for a CitizenCard. These are credit card sized ID cards which allow youngsters to prove their age.

The crackdown is also being supported by Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, who is urging all town shops to add their support.

"It's important that the laws on alcohol and tobacco are upheld and there are stiff fines for shops which are caught selling to children," said the town's MP. "But I understand how difficult a No ID No Sale policy can be to implement and I welcome the opportunity for all youngsters here in Droitwich to get a CitizenCard.

"This will make their lives easier and in turn will help shop staff to stay within the law," he added.

The MP also plans to write to 18-year-olds who are coming on to the electoral register about the importance of the No ID No Sale message.

A spokesman for Droitwich police added: "Initiatives such as this, which support and encourage shop owners, stores and other local commercial outlets - and their staffs - to uphold the law and to tackle underage sales are to be warmly welcomed.

"Younger customers who are old enough legally to make such purchases will, we feel, support the scheme - and those who are not old enough will be made aware that they cannot successfully counter the law.