Fewer pubs serve underage drinkers

Fewer pubs and off-licences served alcohol to under-18s during the summer sting campaign than in previous years.

The failure rate for 484 targeted premises in the on-trade was 18% - a fall of one third on the 29% reported in a similar campaign during summer 2006, according to new figures released today.

Off-trade failure rates were 14%, down from 21%.

There is still room for further improvements to stop the sales first time, every time​Vernon Coaker, Home Office minister

A total of 1,558 on-trade premises were tested during the 10-week Tackling Underage Sales of Alcohol Campaign (TUSAC), which ran between May and July across 166 of the 227 police basic command units.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "I am delighted that recent efforts by Government and our enforcement partners on the ground to clamp down on underage sales are beginning to bite. ​

"I know that the industry has made significant efforts in recent years to educate staff and strengthen procedures.

"It is clear that the Challenge 21 policy is now becoming established as standard practice across the industry.

"This campaign clearly demonstrates that improvements can be made with only very few premises failing three times.

"However the underlying figures indicate there is still room for further improvements to stop the sales first time, every time."

Police targeted venues that were suspected of serving under-18s and were able to apply tough new powers for repeat offences.

Named & shamed: Pubs that failed three stings​ ·​ Moby Grape, Calverts Lane, Stockton-On-Tees, Cleveland·​ Golden Cross Inn, Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire·​ Woodsman, Belgrave Gate, Leicester·​ Spencers Arms, Ardleigh Green Road, Havering, London·​ Wedgewood, Abington Street, Northampton·​ Bliss, Carolgate, Retford, Nottinghamshire

Venues that failed three times within a three month period face a possible £10,000 fine and three-month licence suspension, under powers granted in April.

Six pubs and clubs - and 16 off-trade premises - served under 18s on three occasions. This represents less than 1% of the total tested.

The Home Office said three of the 22 outlets have had their licences revoked already and two face a 24-hour licence suspension. The rest are being considered for prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service.