Fewer than one in 10 problem sites are pubs
Fewer than one in 10 of licensed premises announced as facing review as a result of the new Licensing Act are pubs.
Home Office figures released today show that 42 premises are currently facing reviews of their licences to sell alcohol as a result of test purchasing carried out under the Act.
Yet 38 of those venues are shops and off-licences, suggesting pubs are doing a better job of operating responsibly under the new Act than the off-trade.
The reviews follow intelligence-led test purchasing carried out by police and trading standards officers over three weeks in 27 areas across England and Wales.
Out of a total of 224 premises, tested twice in the first two weeks of the campaign, 53 per cent successfully challenged the sale on both occasions.
However, as a result of this campaign and previous test purchase activity, the 42 premises were found to fail two or more test purchases.
They will now be subject to a licence review by their local authority which could result in their licence conditions being changed.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "Enforcement campaigns carried out by the police and trading standards are a key strand of our work to stop the illegal sale of alcohol to under-18s and build on the progress made in previous Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaigns.
"I recognise the work undertaken by the drinks industry to tackle underage sales, but the fact that 42 premises are going to licence review shows that there is still more to do.
"Police and Trading Standards will continue to carry out further enforcement activity to identify and deal with those retailers that continue to break the law."
Licensing minister Shaun Woodward said: "The new powers in the Licensing Act are essential to dealing with illegal sales of alcohol.
"These figures show that the Licensing Act is being used by police and Trading Standards to tackle alcohol abuse. The licence review mechanism now provides a system for those who do not meet their obligations to change or risk losing their licence.
"We are pleased that most outlets selling alcohol are fully meeting their legal requirements."
Commenting on the figures, John McNamara, chief executive of the BII, said: "The Licensing Act gives the capacity to close down or review licensed premises. Companies that take their social responsibility seriously should not find themselves in this position.
"Again this issue raises the importance of qualifications and training and I urge all responsible alcohol retailers to invest in their staff by putting them through BIIAB qualifications."
