Trading Standards officers in Swindon have announced a dramatic improvement in the number of retailers failing alcohol test purchases.
Figures show that the number of stores caught making alcohol sales to under-18s dropped to 15%, compared with 67% four years ago.
Officers say they have been working with c-stores and off-licences in the Wiltshire town to tackle illegal sales. Help has been given to more than 100 independents without the resources for formal training.
In 2002 officers made 102 visits and 69 tests were failed. This year, in an approach targeting 'problem' outlets, 26 test purchases were carried out with just four sales to 15-year-olds.