Andover licenced premises achieve 100% pass rate during recent test purchase operation

Licenced premises in Andover achieved a 100% pass rate during a recent test purchase operation.

Staff at the six licensed premises challenged two 17-year-old volunteers when they tried to buy alcoholic drinks.

When the volunteers couldn’t produce the appropriate ID, the premises refused the sale.

The purpose of the operation was to test age verification policies and training.

The operation took place on Saturday, 26 February at the following premises:

• Premier store in The Broadway
• Angel public house in the High Street
• Lidl in Western Avenue
• Waitrose in Chantry Way
• Asda in Anton Mill Road
• Cost Cutter in Adelaide Road

Colin Pollard, licensing officer at Hampshire Constabulary, said: “We are really pleased with the 100 per cent pass rate in Andover as it demonstrates the robust age verification policies being implemented by the management and staff of these premises.

“Operations like this one reduce the risk of young people being involved in anti-social behaviour, committing offences or becoming a victim of crime themselves.

“We will continue to run these operations throughout the year to help keep our communities safe.”