SHOPKEEPERS and businesses selling alcohol to children risk huge fines and losing their licences.

That was the warning from David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, as a no-nonsense attack on rogue licensees was launched by Whitehall.

Mr Crausby spoke out after government ministers announced plans for more than 5,500 sting operations in the run-up to Christmas, with underage children being used to buy alcohol from premises across the country.

Mr Crausby said: "The message to retailers in Bolton is clear.

"Sell alcohol to kids, and risk losing your licence and a huge fine.

"The damage done by underage drinking both to young people themselves and the communities they live in is immense.

"I am sure that these tough measures will make those retailers in Bolton who do flout the law to think again."

Trading Standards officers, who will oversee the youngsters trying to buy alcohol, have been awarded £350,000 of Home Office funding to clamp-down on retailers as part of a £2.5 million blitz on alcohol-fuelled disorder.

Cllr John Rothwell, Bolton Council executive member for community safety, praised the scheme.

He said: "It is a never-ending situation and something has to be done about it.

"The basis of a lot of problems we have comes from youngsters drinking.

"I support the scheme and have no sympathy for shopkeepers intentionally selling to underage drinkers."

Home Office minister Paul Goggins said: "Selling alcohol to under-18s is not only irresponsible, it is a criminal offence.

"Those caught breaking the law must face the consequences."

Penalties include £80 fines for bar and shop staff who make the sale; £5,000 fines for licensees on conviction; and licences could be suspended, altered or revoked.