Undercover checks to curb underage drinking during Euro 2016

During events surrounding the UEFA European Championship (Euro 2016) this summer, Belgium's health ministry will send undercover inspectors to conduct checks on the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. The ministry has recruited 12 new inspectors for the cause, all under the age of 26, reports De Standaard.

Shortly after the police announced that it would carry out additional alcohol checks on the roads during the Euro 2016 tournament, Belgium's health ministry yesterday warned the organisers of events surrounding the games that it will be extra vigilant about preventing the sale of alcoholic beverages to people under 18 years old.

A total of 20 undercover inspectors are being trained to perform random checks across the country to see that no alcohol is served to minors. The decision comes after a number of establishments were caught enabling underage drinking during the World Cup two years ago.

The ministry insists that it is not out to spoil the fun for young people, but to stop the illegal sales. "We do this for the safety of the children and to prevent disorder," says Paul Van den Meersche, head of the FPS Health. Anyone who sells liquor to minors risks a fine of up to €18,000, he says.