Retailers are calling for more help from authorities to combat underage drinking, despite the prime minister singling out irresponsible off-licences for punishment. In new research commissioned by the British Retail Consortium, staff said they were concerned by the issues surrounding underage drinking, but needed more support from authorities rather than the threat of strict punishment. Researchers from Lancaster University polled 48 employees in a range of outlets across the Midlands and North West. They found the majority of staff felt they were unfairly treated in being asked to perform a policing role in the face of regular abuse and violence, as well as facing the risk of fines and punishment. "The response of police to test failures is seen as being out of proportion by comparison with what are regarded as ineffective responses to store crime," said the report's author, Dr Gillian Hopkinson. She called on police and trading standards authorities to help store staff by getting more involved with training and campaigns to help create a culture where ID checking becomes acceptable. The report comes after Gordon Brown addressed underage drinking at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth last week. He pledged to tackle binge- and underage drinking through revoking the licenses of shops that "repeatedly sell alcohol to those who are underage". However, the Association of Convenience Stores reacted angrily to the PM's comments, claiming the current penalties were tough enough. "It is also disappointing that the Prime Minister's comments give no credit to the vast improvement in our sector's performance in test-purchasing campaigns," said ACS chief executive James Lowman. "Far from being singled out for criticism, shops should be praised for leading the way in promoting the Challenge 21 message and preventing underage purchases."

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