Police and trading standards officers in Portsmouth have been continuing test purchase operations in the city, highlighting their commitment to tackling underage drinking in the city.
On Saturday, January 31, the team visited a total of five bars and clubs in Guildhall Walk and Gunwharf Quays, which are key night time economy areas, with the following results:
- Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Guildhall Walk – FAIL
- Yates, Guildhall Walk – FAIL
- Bar Risa, Gunwharf Quays – FAIL
- V Bar, Guildhall Walk – PASS
- Bar 38, Gunwharf Quays – PASS
The members of staff who served alcohol in Guildhall Kingdom Brunel, Yates and Bar Risa were all issues with an £80 fixed penalty notice, and the management were informed.
Then on Wednesday, February 4, the team carried out a second operation, this time focussing on off license premises in Southsea. Ten visits were made throughout the course of the evening, and all stores passed, refusing to sell alcohol to the underage volunteer when they could not provide proof of age.
- Kwikii Mart Food and Tipple, Fawcett Road
- Fawcett News, Fawcett Road
- Tesco Express, Albert Road
- Co-op, Highland Road
- Threshers, Albert Road
- Co-op, Albert Road
- Co-op, Elm Street
- Castle News, Castle Road (tested twice on the same evening)
- Spar, St Marys Road
Chief Inspector James Fulton said, “Although we are disappointed with the results from the first operation, the second round of results are encouraging. We will be continuing working with venues under our ongoing operation 'Teen Drinksafe' to ensure licensed premises comply with this key legislation and help reduce sales of alcohol to those under 18. All venues have been reminded of their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions. In the case of venues which failed we have issued fixed penalty tickets and will be taking action against licensees where necessary. We will also continue to work closely with Pub Watch, to highlight our concerns and I hope to see tighter ID checks at all on license premises.”
Cllr Jason Fazackarley, Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for the environment and community safety, said: "These results are extremely disappointing. After improvements in the results from off-licences recently, it seems some pubs and bars have lapsed. We will be keeping a particular eye on premises in Guildhall Walk and Gunwharf and cracking down hard on places that breach the law."
