Three off-licences in Hastings have been given the all-clear after licensing officers tested their premises to see if they sold alcohol to under age customers.
Police carried out a series of test purchases using a 16-year-old boy at off-licenses in Hastings on Friday September 26, many of which had sold alcohol to under 18s in the past.
Staff at Food City in Wellington Place, The Corner Shop in Cambridge Road and Turner’s in High Street, Hastings all demanded to see ID before they would sell the teenager drink.
Licensing officers PC Laura Deacon and PC Chris Trevena worked with officers from the Hastings neighbourhood policing team to test three Hastings premises using a 16-year-old volunteer.
PC Laura Deacon said: “Working alongside colleagues and partner agencies, we have carried out several test purchase operations at licensed premises across Hastings and Rother. All tests are intelligence-led which means we have information that the premises have sold alcohol to children in the past.
“We will continue to work with local licensees in getting the message across about the negative impact that alcohol can have on children and our community.”
Western Road Stores in Western Road, Bexhill, sold alcohol to the 16-year-old and could now face a fine or prosecution.
To discuss licensing issues or raise concerns about licensed premises in the Hastings and Rother areas contact a member of the East Sussex Licensing team on 101 or email EastSussex.Licensing@sussex.pnn.police.uk.
To report the sale of alcohol to children call 101.