Fixed penalty for selling alcohol to underage teenager

Supermarkets and off-licences in Ferndown came under scrutiny recently when a police licensing officer, together with a 14-year-old female volunteer visited a number of premises in a joint operation to target the selling of alcohol to underage drinkers.  

In each case the young person sought to buy alcohol.  Out of the nine places visited, a newsagents, failed the test by selling alcohol to the underage volunteer. The staff member involved was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Section Commander for East Dorset, Inspector Mike Darkin, said: “This news clearly shows the commitment our community has to the responsible sale of alcohol.  I am very pleased with the results, which demonstrate that our licence holders are actively dealing with the underage sales.

“We will continue to work closely with Dorset County Council Trading Standards in answering concerns that our communities raise through various forums.  We will of course fully support prosecutions in relation to the minority of premises that fail the test purchases.

“Premise licence holders risk having their licence reviewed or revoked for failing to comply with the legislation.”
To make a complaint about traders selling alcohol or other controlled goods, the public are encouraged to call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Consumer Direct is the first point of contact for consumer advice and complaints requiring investigation are passed to the Trading Standards Service for action locally.