Cheltenham shops fail in test purchase operation for ID checks
Underage cadets able to buy alcohol without ID in local stores
A recent test purchase operation by Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire Constabulary found that 4 out of 9 shops failed to ask for ID when selling alcohol to underage police cadets.
During the operation, the underage test purchaser was accompanied by plain-clothes officers who observed each attempt to purchase alcohol. The police cadet did not carry any ID and dis not attempt to lie about their age. This ensured the integrity of the process and compliance with legal standards.
The tests supports the licensing objective of protecting children from harm, as set out in the Licensing Act 2003.
Enforcement teams are then able to take appropriate action when retailers fail to follow the law. This ranges from from advice and education through to formal action.
PC Walter from the Gloucestershire Constabulary Licensing Team said, “We regularly carry out joint operations with our partner agencies to ensure licensed premises are operating responsibly.
On this occasion, four shops failed to uphold their legal obligations, and we will be following up with those businesses and conducting further checks in due course."
The businesses that failed will now be offered support to ensure that they understand their legal obligations and that full staff training is in place in compliance with their licence conditions to ensure that residents and visitors to Cheltenham are safe.
The shops tested that failed to ask for ID will now be offered support to ensure that they understand their legal obligations and full staff training will be put place in compliance with their licence conditions
Any retailers found to break the licensing laws again may face a fine of up to £5,000, prosecution, and the potential review or revocation of their licence to sell alcohol.