NEW Government powers to cut underage drinking have been welcomed by the boss of Basildon Council.

Chief executive Bala Mahendran said the tougher powers given to police would help the work already being done in the district to stop under 18s drinking.

He said: “We welcome the new legislation from Government to tighten the law. We work hard throughout the year to tackle underage drinking with campaigns and initiatives, such as the current Challenge 25 scheme.

“This scheme has raised the challenge age for identification from 21 to 25, with 108 retailers out of 146 across the district having signed up to the scheme thus far.

“The renewed powers from Government will serve to back up the existing good work of the partnership.” As of last Friday, police can seize booze from youngsters, who are believed to be under 18.

But, unlike previous legislation, the police do not have to prove the culprits intended to consume the alcohol themselves.

Police will also be able to send children, as young as 10, home who are caught causing trouble.

Previously they could only do this to youngsters aged 16 and above.

Under new measures a new offence has also been created for children under the age of 18 who can now be arrested for persistently possessing alcohol in a public place.

Any shopkeepers caught selling booze to anyone under 18 twice in three months will automatically lose their licence.