Over half of stores fail in Leicestershire test purchase operation

Six out of ten stores visited failed to check identification of those buying alcohol in a test purchase operation, Leicestershire police has revealed.

The stores across Coalville and Ashby, in North West Leicestershire, were visited on Sunday (29 January) by an underage volunteer, who acted as test purchasers – trying to purchase alcohol without any form of identification.

Of the ten licensed premises visited, four passed by successfully challenging the volunteers before selling the alcohol.

Leicestershire police said advice will be given to the six that failed the operation. They will also be revisited in the coming months to check they are complying with the law.

“These operations are very important to stop the sale of alcohol to underage children. They not only highlight our commitment to dealing with crime and antisocial behaviour in the area but also educate licensees on their obligations,” Sergeant Jon Sharpe, from North West Leicestershire Neighbourhood Policing Area, said.

“It is disappointing to see so many of the stores we visited failed to ask the volunteers for identification. We will be speaking to the staff to ensure all staff are trained in the sale of alcohol and they are aware of their responsibilities.”