Shops selling alcohol tominors are facing toughpenalties in crack-down

Test purchase operations were carried out at premises in Hastings and Bexhill under the ongoing crack-down.

Neighbourhood licensing officers for both Hastings and Rother Districts PCs Chris Trevena and Richard Wilkes worked in partnership with officers from the Hastings’ Neighbourhood Policing Team and Trading Standards.

Four premises were tested by two volunteers, aged 15 and 16. Two of the premises passed with no sales of alcohol made to the volunteers who were clearly asking to verify their age.

Both the Ideal Supermarket in Queens Road, Hastings, and Bexhill News, in London Road, Bexhill, failed by selling alcohol to the volunteers and the shop assistant in each premises was issued with a £90 fine.

In the event of failed tests shopkeepers and assistants are dealt with by way of on-the-spot fines or reported for summons for selling or permitting the sale of alcohol to a person under 18 years of age.

Representatives of the premises concerned would also be required to meet with the local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector and Licensing Officer and expected to implement a range of measures aimed at addressing the problem. In some cases the local authority may decide to review the premises licence.

Police say further test purchases are planned in Rother in the coming months.

PC Chris Trevena said: “What is clear from these tests is that the incidents of sales of alcohol to people under 18 years of age is the exception rather than the rule and this is testament to our engagement with local licensees in getting the message across regarding sales of alcohol to children and the impact this can have on our community.

“The problems that are now more common-place and more difficult to tackle are the proxy sales of alcohol, for example where adults are purchasing alcohol on behalf of those under 18 years of age and children obtaining alcohol from home, either with or without their parents’ knowledge. The local police and partner agencies will continue to focus efforts in this area by increasing local awareness, education of both licensees and parents .”