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7 out of 10 pubs caught out in test purchasing operation
Posted on 19/08/2007
P. Klein
Police in North West Leicestershire have carried out a test purchasing operation as part of a summer crack down on alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.
On Friday 10 August 2007 police officers visited 10 pubs in areas around Thringstone and Whitwick. They were accompanied by a 15 year old male who was told to give his true age if he was asked for his identification. Seven of the 10 pubs sold alcohol to the underage teenager.
All seven members of staff who sold to the test purchaser are being given a verbal warning and an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice. If any of them re-offend in future test purchasing operations the police will seek to review that premises license.
Inspector Sian Walls, Commander of North West Leicestershire local policing unit said; "I am extremely disappointed that so many of the premises we visited failed to comply with the law especially as this is the fourth test purchasing operation we have run this year. It is clear the message isnt getting through.
"I would like to remind all licensees, not just those in town centres, that they must manage their licensed premises responsibly. The police, trading standards officers and the courts place great emphasis on preventing the sale of alcohol to under 18s because of the risks to their health and associated problems with anti-social behaviour.
"We will continue to target licensed premises, both pubs and off licenses, and there are further test purchasing operations planned in the coming months. Licensees can be fined up to £5000 and, if convicted by a Magistrate a second time, can have their license revoked. The message is clear, anyone working in a pub or off license must challenge to age of any young person they believe may be underage."
The test purchasing operation is part of a summer campaign targeting anti-social behaviour campaign. As well as extra high visibility patrols in Ashby and Coalville, officers have also been talking to young people and giving out respect wrist bands to encourage them to think about their behaviour and the impact it might have on others.