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Four Premises Fail in Test Purchasing Operation

Released on 2 May 2008

On the 25 April 2008 a test purchasing operation was carried out by Oxford City Council's Licensing Officers and Thames Valley Police.

Test Purchase operations are designed as part of the Licensing Authorities Enforcement Programme to test whether premises are selling alcohol to persons under the age of 18.

Two teenagers aged 14 and 16 years were used in the scheme and attempted to purchase alcohol from nine pubs and off licenses in Oxford.

Four premises failed the test purchase and served alcohol to the teenagers. These premises were: The Turl Bar, Folly Bridge Stores, Londis in Walton Street and Supa Sava on the Botley Road.

The aim of these operations is to crackdown on underage sales. Licensing Officers also work with smaller outlets and advise them on due diligence when making a sale of alcohol.

Oxford City Council's Licensing Authority will continue to work with Thames Valley Police on future Test Purchasing operations.

The Personal Licence holders for those premises that failed the test will be interviewed by Licensing Officers and appropriate action will be taken.

The teenagers used in the operation were representative of their age, willing to participate and had the permission of their parents.

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