MORE than 60 per cent of stores across Hampshire were found to sell alcohol to under-age teenagers in an undercover operation by trading standards officials.

The shock figures come hard on the heels of a similar operation in Southampton that showed nearly 70 per cent of stores tested broke the law.

The Hampshire and Southampton figures compare to a 43 per cent rate for tests across the south-east of the country.

Now, Hampshire is joining Southampton in cracking down on alcohol sales to under 18s which have been pinpointed as a contributory factor to antisocial behaviour bedevilling communities acrosss the county.

Only last month, police patrols netted dozens of youngsters roaming the streets of Chandler's Ford and seized a "substantial" amount of alcohol from under-age drinkers.

Earlier this week it was revealed that thugs tried to hijack the Mayor of Southampton's limousine when they flagged down the chauffered black Mercedes in Lordshill Way, Southampton, while it was carrying Sheriff Harry Mitchell and his wife June.

In the latest of a string of drunken and violent incidents involving large groups of teenagers across Hampshire, a mob of up to 50 drink-fuelled yobs surrounded a taxi in Boyatt Wood, Eastleigh, punched the a passenger in the face and smashed up the car.

Hampshire Trading Standards launched its crackdown following what was described as a "massive increase" in the number of complaints about retailers selling alcohol to under 18s.

A number of off-licences were advised that complaints had been made against them and Hampshire Trading Standards followed that up with test purchases using volunteers all aged under 17.

Under-age checks took place in Titchfield, Park Gate, Fawley, Blackfield, Hythe, Fordingbridge, Ashurst, Bishop's Waltham, Botley, Chandler's Ford, Hedge End, Basingstoke, Blackwater, Aldershot, Yateley, Hook, Portchester and Gosport. The young volunteers were served alcohol in 15 shops out of 24 visited.

The county council says staff in the shops will be interviewed by trading standards before considering what further action is required. Retailers convicted of selling alcohol to under 18s could face a fine of up to £1,000 and possible forfeiture of their licence.

In an active campaign to stamp out under-age sales of booze, Hampshire Trading Standards has issued retailer packs to all off-licences to help them understand and comply with the law. The unit is urging all off-licences to make the issue a top priority and to reinforce the "No ID - No Sale" message with their staff.

Hampshire County Council leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "Under-age drinking is on the increase and in Hampshire we are taking a hard line to try and reduce it."