Police along with partner agencies have been conducting test purchasing in Preston here is what they had to say.
“Yesterday #PoliceLicensing in partnership with Lancashire County Council Trading Standards and Preston City Council Licensing carried out test purchasing for alcohol & vapes across #Preston
18 separate premises were subject to the test purchases, some of which have previously failed or there had been reports raising concerns over responsible alcohol/vape sales. Of those tested one failed by selling alcohol to a child and another sold a non-compliant vape to a child. The alcohol sale saw a £90 fixed penalty notice issued to the cashier, the vape sale will be dealt with in due course by trading standards.
Children gaining access to alcohol can make them vulnerable and can often be a source of crime and anti-social behaviour. Test purchasing is just one way we work with our partners to minimise underage drinking in Preston, our test purchasers do not lie or conceal their age, this means that for a cashier to pass they simply need to ask their age or for ID.
Here in Preston, we actively promote FREE ‘check 25’ age verification training to all Licensed Premises and that those continue to fail these test purchases risk revocation of their licence, closure and further prosecution.
Free training can be found here: https://orlo.uk/kgX3m
If you have concerns over alcohol sales please email SouthLicensing@lancashire.police.uk
If you have concerns over vape and tobacco sales please email Trading Standards on intelligence.management@lancashire.gov.uk
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