Police ‘stunned’ as shops caught selling alcohol to 14-year-olds

Two girls aged 15 and a 14-year-old boy carried out test purchases on behalf of Humberside Police and were sometimes not even questioned.

At a pub in Hornsea, the only challenge over the sale of two bottles of the vodka-based drink WKD came from the girls themselves when the bar tender short-changed them.

The girls then visited a convenience store in Hessle where the shop assistant asked them three times how old they were and on each occasion they said they were 15. Despite this they were still sold a bottle of VS Vodka, while two officers in plain clothes who were inside taking notes looked on.

An off-licence in the town fulfilled its obligations by refusing to sell alcohol to the three children, but a convenience store in Anlaby Common was caught out – despite the youngsters admitting they were under-age to a member of staff and a manager.

The cashier asked the trio for identification and when they did not produce any, a supervisor intervened and asked their dates of birth. They gave these as in 1997, and, although this would make them only 14 they successfully bought a bottle of Smirnoff Ice.

In all cases where the children were served, the offenders were issued with instant fines of £80. They also received a follow-up visit from the force’s licensing department.

If the same businesses fail test purchases again they could be closed down for three months.

Force licensing officer Chris Chapman said: “Test purchase operations occur every month throughout the East Riding in all villages and towns to ensure licensed premises are adhering to the law and on this particular test purchase job we were stunned and shocked by the results.

”Licensed premises generally do ask customers age and request identification, but it is greatly concerning that on this particular evening our test purchase children were able to purchase alcohol at the age of 14 and 15 years.

“I do not expect shop workers to serve children of these tender years and there is no excuse when that child has given their correct age as 15. It is clear to us that our test purchase work is necessary and we will continue to roll out the initiative to improve standards around the East Riding.”

He added: “The police would urge any member of the public to report any incidents of under-age drinking to ensure the safety of young people and to minimise the dangers that exist.”

Other test purchases carried out in the East Riding since March found a further five pubs selling alcohol to children aged 14.

But off-licences in Bridlington refused to serve children on 33 occasions, as did 16 off-licences in Goole.

Officers in North East Lincolnshire are meanwhile warning adults to know their limits while out celebrating over the festive period.

Insp Neil Pattison, the force lead on alcohol, said: “Historically, the pubs, clubs and restaurants tend to enjoy an increase in trade during the run up to Christmas as families, friends and work colleagues head out to celebrate the festive period.

“Although this can be a great time of year, it can also cause problems for licensees and door staff as well as the emergency services as revellers can overdo it and get a little to merry which can lead to all kinds of trouble, not least of which a hangover to remind you that you drank way too much.”

He added: “As a partnership, we don’t want to curb people’s enjoyment on a night out over Christmas, we simply ask that you act responsibly in order to look after yourself and your friends and take into account your own limits when drinking.”

Revellers have also been warned to be aware of the dangers of drinks being spiked.

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