Witney News - Three pubs fail underage alcohol sales test

Three pubs fail underage alcohol sales test

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

On Friday (21/09), 10 businesses – off licences and licensed premises – were visited in Witney, Carterton, Bampton and Burford.

Three served alcohol to the underage volunteers employed in the operation, and in each case the member of staff involved was served with an £80 fixed penalty notice.

The three premises that failed the test were all pubs – one in Witney and two in Burford. They will not be named at this time, in line with Home Office regulations.

West Oxfordshire police commander, Chief Insp Dennis Evernden said: "Although the decision has been that naming and shaming premises that fail once is not proportionate, these businesses are on a final warning.

"If they fail again, we will name them. Fail three times and it is grounds for prosecution.

"Having three premises in West Oxfordshire caught selling to obviously underage people is very disappointing.

"It is indicative of the laissez faire attitude of some licensees to alcohol that causes such considerable harm to our children and communities."

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member at West Oxfordshire District Council with responsibility for licensing said: "Selling alcohol to underage people is both illegal and irresponsible and is a cause of public concern.

"It is something we take very seriously and persistent sellers will be targeted as we continue to work with the police to tackle this issue."

"Combating underage drinking has been identified as a neighbourhood community safety priority for West Oxfordshire."