THE World Cup, Operation Crystal Clear and the on-going fight to stop shopkeepers selling booze to under-18s are highlighted in the annual licensing report from Lancashire police chief John Thompson.

It was presented at Hyndburn magistrates' annual licensing session on Wedn-esday, when the Chief Superintendent revealed that police were getting to grips with the problem of off-licences selling alcohol to youngsters.

He said: "Police and trading standards officers have visited over 40 off-licence premises in an attempt to reduce the number of incidents of drink-related anti-social behaviour involving juveniles. These visits have resulted in action being taken against 12 licensees who have been dealt with accordingly."

One method adopted by police is to use "test purchasers" where young people try to buy alcohol from off-licences in a bid to catch out shopkeepers.

He added: "I can confirm it is the intention of the police to continue their efforts with regard to prosecuting licensees who persistently allow under-aged persons to purchase intoxicants from off-licence premises.

"We look forward to the continued support of Hyndburn Magistrates Court when dealing with those offenders who will be brought before them in the coming months."

With glass and bottle incidents in Accrington town centre down by 40 per cent, Chief Supt Thompson praised the work of the police, Hyndburn Council, licensees and door supervisors for their efforts through the Pubwatch scheme, the Door Supervisors' registration scheme and Operation Crystal Clear.

Referring to one of the biggest highlights of the year, the World Cup, when pubs could open early to serve breakfast and beer during games, he said it resulted in police making 337 visits to licensed premises compared to 307 the previous year.

In 2002, 153 people had been prosecuted for drink-driving compared with 115 over the previous 12 months.

The report also showed the number of licences approved by magistrates has gone up from 265 to 275. During 2002 two door supervisors were suspended and 12 had their registration to the Door Supervisors' registration scheme cancelled.

After the hearing, police licensing officer PC Les Sholicar told the Observer: "The problem of off-licences selling alcohol to under-age people is something that is close to our hearts, especially when it leads to problems of juvenile nuisance.

"We do get an awful lot of complaints from residents and I can honestly say we are endeavouring, in partnership with trading standards officers, to whittle out these licensees and put them before the courts."