More than 50 per cent of businesses fail test purchase operation

Licensed premises across Coalville and Ashby were visited as part of a test purchase operation – with six out of 10 failing to check the identity of the teenager buying alcohol.

The stores were visited on Sunday (29 January) by an underage volunteer, who acted as test purchasers – trying to purchase alcohol without any form of identification.

Of the 10 businesses visited, four passed by successfully challenging the volunteers before selling the alcohol.

Advice will be given to the six that failed the operation. They will also be revisited in the coming months to check they are complying with the law.

Sergeant Jon Sharpe from North West Leicestershire Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), said: “These operations are very important to stop the sale of alcohol to underage children. They not only highlight our commitment to dealing with crime and antisocial behaviour in the area but also educate licensees on their obligations.

“It is disappointing to see so many of the stores we visited failed to ask the volunteers for identification. We will be speaking to the staff to ensure all staff are trained in the sale of alcohol and they are aware of their responsibilities.

“We would like to thank North West Leicestershire District Council for their support during this operation and will work closely with them on future enforcement.”

It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Businesses can be prosecuted and fined for doing so and their licence could be at risk.

The Challenge 25 scheme enables a business to request identification from anyone they believe to be aged 25 years or under and request valid proof of age.