A shop assistant has been fined after being caught selling alcohol to children in a police operation.
On Monday, July 28 a series of test purchases were carried out at Turners off licence in High Street in the Old Town.
During the operation, the premises was tested using children aged 15 and 16.
The assistant in Turners sold alcohol to the children and was issued with a £90 fine.
Management of the premises are now required to meet with the local neighbourhood policing team inspector and licensing officer and will be expected to implement a range of measures aimed at addressing the problem.
In some cases Sussex Police may decide to apply to the local authority to review the premises licence.
Further test purchases are planned in Hastings and Rother Districts in the coming months.
PC Laura Butcher said: “Working alongside our partner agencies, we have carried out several test purchase operations at licensed premises across Hastings and Rother. All our tests are intelligence led which means we have information that the premises have sold alcohol to children in the past.
“We will continue to engage with local licensees in getting the message across regarding sales of alcohol to children and the negative impact this can have on the children and on our community.
“Other problems that are commonplace and more difficult to tackle are when adults are purchasing alcohol on behalf of children and children obtaining alcohol from the home, either with or without their parents’ knowledge.”