57 off-licences tested during first week of summer holidays

Alcohol test purchases have been carried out at 57 off-licences in Leicester in the first week of the school summer holidays. The crackdown forms part of Leicestershire Constabulary's 'Safer Summer' campaign which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, including underage drinking, over the holiday period.

Out of the 57 off-licences visited, just over a fifth (12 in total) sold alcohol to a 15-year-old posing as a customer. Four of these shops may now face a review of their licence after repeated failures. In each case the shop assistant who sold the alcohol will be interviewed by police and issued with an £80 fine.

Councillor Hussein Suleman, the Lib Dem Education Spokesperson said, "I personally have been concerned that some under aged youngsters may be tempted to buy alcohol during the drinking summer holidays so I am pleased that the police have targeted off-licences close to parks and other open spaces." He added that It is also harmful for the health of young people and could make them more vulnerable to crime.

On Friday July 10, test purchases were carried out at 36 off-licences across Leicester using two teams of officers working with a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. Seven of those shops failed the test by selling alcohol to the underage youngster.

Anyone with information about alcohol being sold to underage youngsters should contact Leicestershire Constabulary on (0116) 222 2222 or Crimestoppers which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.