Three stores sold alcohol to under-18s in a test-purchase operation run by police and South Gloucestershire Trading Standards.
Two clearly under-age girls tried to buy alcohol in eight off licences and convenience stores in Downend, Kingswood, Mangotsfield and Warmley in the operation on Friday 5th November 2010.
The teenage volunteers were able to buy alcohol in two Kingswood stores and one in Downend. The workers who made the sale were given an £80 on-the-spot fine.
Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Thatcher said: “We’re pleased that almost two-thirds of the premises we checked were aware of their responsibilities and refused to sell.
“However it is disappointing to us that anyone is prepared to sell alcohol to children, especially as these three stores are in areas where anti-social behaviour (ASB) has been raised as a priority by local people.
“We know that under-age drinking can be behind ASB and the Neighbourhood Team works hard with the council and the community to tackle these problems. This operation was part of our Relentless initiative, currently focusing on keeping young people safe and cracking down on ASB over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.”
Cllr Heather Goddard, South Gloucestershire Council’s executive member for communities, said: “We would like to congratulate those retailers who complied with the licensing regulations during this operation. It is frustrating to find that some of the stores failed the test purchase and I would urge all retailers to think about the consequences of selling to children, especially in the run up to Christmas. Further operations will be carried out.”
The authorities will now work with the stores where the sales were made to make sure it doesn’t happen again, while writing to thank those where sales were refused.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
