Pubs ready for under-age tests

Pubs across the country are preparing for another police blitz this Christmas - but licensees are already proving they work within the law.

Birmingham city centre has been given a virtually clean bill of health after 90 officers swooped on the busy Broad Street area ahead of a national crackdown from the Home Office and police.

During the raids in Birmingham no underage drinkers were found, and licensees were seen to be operating entirely responsibly, earning a big thumbs-up from the police.

It is hoped that others will follow this example when the Christmas blitz starts in town centres across the country on December 15, as the government again focuses on catching licensees serving underage drinkers.

In total there were only 19 arrests made in Birmingham during the crackdown, all for low-level disorder and minor assaults, as police also reported a drop in violent crime across the city.

Dawn Andrews, licensee at the Rococo Lounge, a freehouse in Broad Street, said: "The police came in at the weekend and I was more than happy to show them around - they could see we were operating properly. All the licensees on Broad Street co-operate with the police and meet regularly to deal with these issues.

"It's good for the trade that we are seen to be working on these problems. It means we attract a more discerning customer, which makes the nights go smoother and improves the night time economy in Broad Street."

Richard Matthews, regional secretary for the British Beer & Pub Association in the Mid-lands, added: "We're pleased with this. There have been a lot of improvements in Broad Street so it's good to see the results of that."

Launching the Christmas blitz campaign, Home Office minister Hazel Blears said the summer campaign had raised awareness of the need to tackle alcohol-related violence and disorder.

Of 153 pubs targeted to test for underage sales during the summer, 78 sold to underage people.