No Arrests For Under-Age Children Buying Alcohol or Cigarettes In Washington Since 2014
There were no arrests of underage children for buying, selling, or otherwise possessing age-restricted substances in Washington since 2014.
No young people have been arrested for the under-age buying, selling or possession of alcohol or cigarettes in four years in Washington.
According to data from Northumbria Police, there were no arrests of people underage for buying, selling, or otherwise possessing alcohol, tobacco products, or other age-restricted substances in Washington between 2015 and 2018.
In 2014, there were just two relevant arrests, both for ‘buying or attempting to buy alcohol on behalf of an individual under 18.’
The police stated that outcomes other than arrests may have occurred.
The findings were made by media literacy charity The Student View following submission of a Freedom of Information request.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We do not believe it is appropriate for a juvenile to be arrested for these offences and so we welcome the fact that there have been no arrests.
“A proportionate course of action would be to speak to the parents or guardian of any children found to be committing these offences and, where appropriate, they could be referred to the Youth Offending Team who can provide the necessary intervention.
“Our priority in these cases would be to take action against any licenced premises that are selling these substances to children. There have been numerous cases of us working with the local authority to close shops who sell alcohol or cigarettes to children, while shop owners have also been dealt with by using civil legislation.”