To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) off sale outlets and (b) licensed premises were prosecuted for serving alcohol to individuals under the age of 18 years old in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years. (142639)

The following table gives the number of prosecutions and convictions for the offences of “selling intoxicating liquor to a minor” and “permitting minor to consume alcohol on licensed premises” For the former, it is not possible to identify separately those proceedings brought against off sale outlets and licensed premises.

Data cover the calendar years 2003 to 2005 and are collated on the principal offence rule; thus only the most serious offence with which an offender is charged is included.