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57 off-licences tested in Leicester during first week of summer holidays

Posted on 20/07/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police 57 off-licences tested in Leicester during first week of summer holidays

Test purchases have been carried out at 57 off-licences in Leicester in the first week of the school summer holidays. 

The crackdown forms part of Leicestershire Constabulary’s ‘Safer Summer’ campaign which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, including underage drinking, over the holiday period. 

Out of the 57 off-licences visited, just over a fifth (12 in total) sold alcohol to a 15-year-old posing as a customer. Four of these shops may now face a review of their licence after repeated failures. In each case the shop assistant who sold the alcohol will be interviewed by police and issued with an £80 fine.

PC Jon Webb from the City Centre Violence and Disorder Team said: “The test purchases began on Friday July 10 to coincide with the last day of the school term. We were concerned that some youngsters may be out drinking to celebrate the start of the summer holidays so we specifically targeted off-licences close to schools, parks and other open spaces. 

“We know that underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour - such as litter, noise and damage – can have a big impact on communities and we are committed to tackling this. It is also harmful for the health of the young people involved and can make them more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime.

“Obviously we are very disappointed with the results of these test purchases. We will continue to carry out further checks throughout the summer and urge anyone who suspects their local shop is selling alcohol to under-18s to contact the police.” 

On Friday July 10, test purchases were carried out at 36 off-licences across Leicester using two teams of officers working with a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. Seven of those shops failed the test by selling alcohol to the underage youngster. 

On Wednesday July 15 a further 21 shops were visited in the Welford Road area of Leicester by officers accompanied by a 15-year-old boy. Five of those failed. 

Anyone with information about alcohol being sold to underage youngsters should contact Leicestershire Constabulary on (0116) 222 2222 or Crimestoppers which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111. 

*Some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.