Two Preston premises fail test purchase operation

Wednesday, 10 April 2024 13:40

Police, Trading Standards and Preston City Council have carried out test purchasing for alcohol & vapes across the city.

18 separate premises were subject to the test purchases, some of which have previously failed or there had been reports raising concerns over responsible alcohol/vape sales.

Of those tested one failed by selling alcohol to a child and another sold a non-compliant vape to a child. The alcohol sale saw a £90 fixed penalty notice issued to the cashier, the vape sale will be dealt with in due course by trading standards.

A spokesperson said: ‘’Children gaining access to alcohol can make them vulnerable and can often be a source of crime and anti-social behaviour. Test purchasing is just one way we work with our partners to minimise underage drinking in Preston, our test purchasers do not lie or conceal their age, this means that for a cashier to pass they simply need to ask their age or for ID.

‘’Here in Preston, we actively promote free ‘check 25’ age verification training to all Licensed Premises and that those continue to fail these test purchases risk revocation of their licence, closure and further prosecution.’’