Adults who buy alcohol for under 18s are being warned they risk a fine and even a criminal conviction. As part of the Wantage & Grove Community Alcohol Partnership, Thames Valley Police and partners are clamping down on so-called 'proxy sales' in a bid to tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. Any adult caught buying alcohol for youngsters face an on-the-spot fine of £90, and in the most serious cases they could be charged with a criminal offence. This follows on from free retailer training sessions to raise awareness of the issues and a call for vigilance from local licensed premises to report intelligence about groups of youths approaching adults to buy alcohol on their behalf from shops. Cllr Sandy Lovatt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Vale of White Horse District Council, said "There is concern that as it becomes more difficult for young people to buy alcohol directly, they are asking older friends, family members or even strangers, to buy it for them. Those who buy alcohol on behalf of under-18s need to know that they are committing a criminal offence that has consequences for the entire community." Inspector Ian Money, Neighbourhood Inspector for Vale of the White Horse, said: "There is a clear link between alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour. If we want to reduce this in our communities, whilst also protecting the health and wellbeing of our young people, we must look to prevent under 18s getting access to alcohol in this irresponsible way." Licensed retailers in Wantage and Grove are backing efforts to help them with the provision of free training and resources such as proxy warning signage. Michael Rowe from Rowes Newsmarket, Wantage, said "The vast majority of licensed premises take their responsibilities very seriously and are very vigilant about preventing sales of alcohol to under 18s. It makes life very difficult for retailers when adults come in and legally buy alcohol from us only for them to pass it on to some underage teenagers waiting up the street. It’s good to see that the CAP is trying to educate adults that this isn't just illegal, it’s unacceptable."