A SHOPkeeper has been fined for selling booze to teenagers after a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking.

Burnley Magistrates found Zia Aslam, 32, of Abel Street, Burnley, guilty of selling alcohol to a 14-year-old during a test purchase last December.

He had previously denied the offence but was convicted in his absence after failing to turn up at court.

Aslam sold the alcohol despite not having a licence at Kez's Off Licence in Thursden Street, Burnley. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £100 costs.

It was part of operation Challenge 21, a national scheme backed by trading standards and police where drinks retailers are encouraged to ask for proof of age from anyone who looks under 21.

The scheme is being championed by police as part of their campaign to crack down on under-age drinking, Operation Summer Nights.

Lanehead community beat manager PC Janet Eaves said: "Under-age drinking is a key concern for the local community because it often leads to unruly and anti-social behaviour.

"We had lots of complaints about anti-social behaviour in the area where the alcohol was being sold.

"We've made significant inroads into the problem with tactics like test purchasing, with far fewer off-licences now selling alcohol to youths.

"But some are still either failing to ask for ID or misjudging the age of youths."