Four premises fail test purchase operation
Staff at four licensed premises failed to check for proof of age during a test purchase operation in the Southwell area.
On Friday, a 16-year-old test purchaser was sold alcohol without any request for identification by pub staff, who will now be offered the choice of a penalty notice for £80 or to appear before magistrates.
The SNT is currently running Operation Alcologic, targeting alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour in and around Southwell.
Although there were no reported incidents of anti-social behaviour on Friday, several young people had to undergo stop searches after being spotted with alcohol.
Not only were they underage but they were in designated public place zones where alcohol is not permitted.
One 15-year-old boy was in possession of vodka, while another 15-year-old had a bottle of Jagermeister - a strong German Schnapps which is mixed with either Red Bull or Coke. Two 16-year-olds were found with vodka and beer.
The parents of the young people were immediately contacted by beat manager PC Tony Hayes and asked to attend Southwell Police Station.
Each of the young people was either issued with a £30 fine or given a warning.
The test purchase operation was organised by the Southwell Safer Neighbourhood Team and the divisional licensing officer.
PC Hayes said: “It is disappointing that some of our local pubs have failed to request proof of age, particularly when there was advance notice of this operation.
“I hope this will serve as a reminder that it is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone aged under 18 and that identification should always be requested if staff are in any doubt about the age of the customer.
“I would also urge staff at licensed premises to contact the police if they believe they have been presented with false identification.
“We know there are concerns about anti-social behaviour in Southwell and the fact that young people have been seen drinking alcohol, although I would stress that the problems here are no greater than in many other towns of this size.
“Nevertheless, Operation Acologic remains a neighbourhood priority for the beat team and these patrols will continue.”
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