Third of off-licences in Brighton and Hove failed underage alcohol purchase tests

Licensing officers carried out six inspections in Brighton and Hove on December 9 as part of a crackdown on underage drinking.

The initiative, called Operation Teepee, aims to ensure off-licences are complying with their licensing agreements.

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The operation employs underage volunteers to attempt to buy alcohol from off-licences, to check whether vendors ask for proof of age.

If an operator fails the test, licensing officers will educate them on the terms of their licence, review these conditions and take enforcement action if necessary.

Six off-licences were inspected in the latest round of checks, but only four passed.

Two of the four were re-tests of stores which had previously failed.

A further two off-licences which failed last time were re-tested and both failed to carry out the proper checks this time around.

A member of staff will be prosecuted under the Licensing Act 2003 after they served the underage volunteers for the initial failure and then again during the failed re-test.

Enforcement action will also be taken against the two premises which failed their re-tests.

Inspector Michelle Palmer-Harris said: “Under Operation Teepee, not only do we test whether vendors serve under-18s alcohol, we also check their Challenge 25 policy.

“If a customer looks like they may be under 25 years old, licence holders have an obligation to ask for proof of ID.

“It was disappointing to see two premises failed for a second time and appropriate action will be taken. We were very pleased that four premises passed and will continue to support them.

“As a Licensing Team we will continue to ensure alcohol vendors are adhering to their responsibilities, not only during the festive period but into the New Year.”