Four out of five nearby off-licences failed in a recent police test targeting under-age alcohol sales.
Pic: nickwinch
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Five off-licences were visited as part of the operation on June 23. The four that failed were:
- Co-op, Midanbury, Witts Hill
- Alpine News, Vanguard Road
- High Firs, Burseldon Road, Sholing
- Bob and Paula’s, Valentines Road, Sholing
One of the five off-licences – Sai Arrow News at Forest Hills Drive Broadway – passed the test.
Bitterne Inspector Patrick Holdaway said: “All those who failed received a £80 fixed penalty notice. It was really disappointing to hear that the majority of shops tested sold alcohol to someone under the age of 18.
“There is a direct link with underage drinking and anti social behaviour. We will be relentless in our drive to reduce ASB which can so dramatically affect communities.
“We plan to conduct further test purchasing operations in support of our force wide anti-social behaviour campaign and will adopt the same robust approach in dealing with those that do not comply with the law."
Police urge anyone with information on shops selling alcohol to under 18s to contact them by phoning 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.