A LICENSING crackdown shows around one in five traders are selling alcohol to underage drinkers.

Since the new Licensing Act came into force in November, Greenwich Council has sent a 14-year-old into licensed premises across the borough.

Of 77 pubs, supermarkets, petrol stations and off licences visited so far during the undercover operation, 17 have sold alcohol to the child.

This has led to 28 licencees and employees who sold the alcohol being hit with £80 fines.

Two stores Lidls, Eynsham Drive, Abbey Wood, and the Esso petrol garage, Eltham High Street have been told to overhaul the way they train staff.

Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts said: "The laws on alcohol sales are there to protect children.

"We want to reinforce the message underage sales will not be tolerated in the borough."