On Saturday, December 2, nine premises were tested on their efficiency in turning away underage drinkers.

They were:

• Costcutters, Market Parade, Havant
• The Blue Bell, Havant
• The Parchment Makers, Havant
• The Star, Havant
• The Woodpecker, Waterlooville
• The Heroes, Waterlooville
• The Brewmaster, Waterlooville
• The Ship Inn, Emsworth
• The Railway Inn, Emsworth

Of these, seven successfully passed with no juveniles being served, but two failed the test.

Both The Star and The Railway Inn served juvenile test purchasers and were each issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice.

The designated premises supervisor for both pubs will be meeting with officers to discuss the situation.

Sergeant Sue Walker said: “We’re pleased with the results of this latest test purchasing operation.

"With only two pubs failing the test, it is clear that most licensed premises in the area are acting in a responsible and lawful manner when it comes to dealing with underage drinking.

“Test purchasing operations are an ongoing and vital measure in tackling drink related crime and premises that continue to serve juveniles will have their licenses brought into review.” 

Section 31 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 enables police to use juvenile test purchasers in operations of this kind.

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