Some traders sold alcohol to under-age shoppers

Officers at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's food services team found that two thirds of the shops tested did not query the buyer's age.

Before the test purchases were carried out all the shops had been sent advice packs on age-restricted products.

A council spokeswoman said some traders have "a total disregard for the law".

'Shocking disregard'

Officers had hoped the operation would show traders were acting responsibly, but despite the advice packs being delivered to businesses two thirds sold the youngsters alcohol.

Julie Benson, the senior Trading Standards Officer said: "It is shocking that the age of a 15-year-old is not being challenged. This indicates the willingness of some traders to have total disregard for the law.