Successful test purchase operation in Portsmouth

On Sunday (27 January) we carried out a test purchase operation at 23 premises in Portsmouth.

Staff at 22 of the venues passed the test by requesting ID and refusing the sale of alcohol to our underage volunteers.

One venue failed the test and the member of staff was issued with a fixed penalty notice. Our licensing team will follow this up to ensure appropriate training and policies are in place.

PC Peter Vincent, licensing officer, said: “This test purchasing operation was incredibly successful and shows that the majority of premises take a responsible approach to preventing underage alcohol sales.

“We carry out these checks to make sure venues have the right training and processes in place. The success rate is a credit to the individual premises, their staff and their training practices.”

Chief Inspector Rob Mitchell said: “I am pleased that the work by the licensing team and the neighbourhood policing teams has ensured that venues across Portsmouth continue to apply Challenge 25 and refuse alcohol sales to children.

“Operations like this one reduce the risk of young people becoming victims of crime, or being involved in crimes such as anti-social behaviour. I’d encourage parents to speak to their children around the dangers of underage drinking.

“Test purchasing will continue during the year and the venue that failed will most certainly be targeted in future operations.”