A crackdown on underage drinking is being launched after it emerged some shops in Herne Bay are failing to ask for ID when selling booze.

Trading Standards officers visited 24 of the town’s off-licences and found a third sold alcohol to a young volunteer, aged between 18 and 25, without checking them.

Kent County Council will launch a Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) in the town on Friday to tackle anti-social behaviour.

CAPs get local authorities, police, schools, shops, neighbourhood groups and health providers to work together to reduce the sale of booze to youths, advise them on the dangers of drinking and provide them with activities.

Its director, Kate Winstanley, said: “I am delighted at the launch of a CAP in Herne Bay.

“This is a tried and tested way of driving down underage drinking and creating better, safer and friendlier neighbourhoods.”

The Herne Bay CAP will be led by Neil Butcher from Trading Standards, who has held similar initiatives in Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

Due to be attended by MP Sir Roger Gale, the launch will take place at 10.30am at the King’s Hall.