DORCHESTER Pubwatch chairman Martin West warned today that teenagers are getting drunk on booze from parents and shops.

He said action by pubs on underage drinking is working in the county town.

But problems with drunken youngsters continue as they are still able to get alcohol.

He said: "People read reports about young people being drunk and assume they must have been drinking in a pub.

"But that isn't always so and I'm sure it isn't the case in Dorchester.

"Pubs and clubs have been using the over-21 rule for the past eight or nine months and that's really weeded out the under-age drinkers.

"It's hard to gauge the age of young people these days - girls look years older with make-up and high heels and the boys seem bigger now - it's hard to be sure someone is over 18. But raising that to 21 and asking for ID for anyone who looks younger than 21 has really helped."

Mr West, who has the Old Ship Inn in High West Street, added: "There are still problems with kids getting drunk.

"I'm sure they're getting it from supermarkets and shops or raiding their parents' drinks cupboards at home.

"There's nothing new about teenagers getting drunk - I did it myself - but the penalties for selling alcohol to them are much more severe now.

"The fines are huge and you can lose your licence - that means your livelihood."

He said publicans had to be extra-vigilant at Christmas and New Year when youngsters tried to hide among the crowd of drinkers enjoying a festive drink: "Pub staff have to patrol more and make sure they aren't drinking somewhere out of sight. You need eyes in the back of your head."

Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester Police said: "It's a constant ongoing problem because young people will always try to get hold of alcohol if they can."