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Whalley pubs sold alcohol to teens in police swoop
Police in the Ribble Valley have issued a warning after bar staff were caught selling alcohol to youngsters.
Officers, assisted by trading standards and teenage volunteers, carried out a test purchase operation on Friday, February 15th, to ensure those working in licensed premises were meeting their responsibilities to prevent under age alcohol sales.
Eight pubs were visited in Whalley and Longridge, with five venues failing to make the necessary checks, allowing a 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old-boy to buy bottles and pints of beer.
Staff and the premises licence holder for each pub will now meet trading standards and the police and a decision will be made about further action.
PC Martin Midgeley, project co-ordinator for the Community Alcohol Network, said: “I’m disappointed premises are still selling alcohol to children and showing little care for age awareness. Every premise should challenge the age of anyone who looks under 25 and enforce a no ID, no sale policy.
He continued: “We will carry on working with the local authority to crack down on underage sales and I urge anyone with any concerns to contact the police.”
Deputy leader of Lancashire County Council Coun. Albert Atkinson added: “Trading standards and the police have been working successfully for a number of years to prevent underage sales by providing support to retailers of age-restricted products, but we always back this up with help and test purchase operations and further enforcement action if necessary.
“It is very disappointing to see the number of pubs that have failed during this latest operation. It sends out a message to all retailers that they must take whatever action is needed to ensure their business operates responsibly and within the law and make use of free resources and advice which we make available to them through the Age Check scheme.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Monday 20 May 2013
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