Teenagers in Rotterdam still find it easy to buy alcohol in cafes, clubs, shops and sports canteens, even if they are under the legal age of 16, according to city council research.

Council officials say the under-16s are ‘almost always’ served alcohol if they ask for it in sports club canteens. In supermarkets, young teenagers succeed in buying alcohol in six out of 10 times, and in clubs they are  successful 96% of the time.

By law, teenagers need to be at least 16 to buy wine and beer and 18 to buy spirits. Parliament plans to increase this to 18 for all forms of alcohol.

City officials have now developed an action plan to try and stop so many outlets breaking the law. They also want clubs and bars to stop holding happy hours.