Witney News - West Oxfordshire undercover test purchasing operation

West Oxfordshire undercover test purchasing operation

Three people have been fined for serving alcohol to under-18s after Thames Valley Police and West Oxfordshire District Council undertook a test purchasing operation.

On Friday 20 December twelve licensed premises in the Witney area were visited by the Neighbourhood Police Team along with Licensing Officers from the Council. Two young people were involved and at each premises they attempted to purchase alcohol.

Three premises served them. In each case the member of staff involved was issued with an £90 fixed penalty notice.
Of the three premises that failed the test, two were pubs and one was a supermarket.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member with responsibility for licensing said “It is disappointing that three premises sold alcohol to under-18s. Selling alcohol to those underage is both illegal and irresponsible and is a cause of public concern.

“Fortunately the majority of licensees in the district are responsible and work with the police and licensing officers to tackle crime and disorder.”

West Oxfordshire District Council licensing officers will work with the three offenders to improve staff awareness and ensure that appropriate procedures are followed to prevent unlawful sales.