Pubs warned after proof-of-age tests

Pubs have been warned to 'up their game' by a group that tests if staff serve alcohol to young looking drinkers.

According to independent organisation Serve Legal the majority of pubs are failing to ask for proof of age.

In test purchases between April and December last year its team of 500 members - all aged 18 or 19 - carried out 2,000 anonymous pub visits throughout the country. But only in 40 per cent of pubs did staff ask for ID.

Serve Legal director Ed Heaver said: "In the current climate, complacency is not an option, and when it comes to under-age drinkers, pub operators need to have an effective, focused process to improve site performance, and be able to demonstrate due diligence and professionalism to the government, police and local authorities."

On Monday Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced plans to provide police with 100 metal detectors that can be placed on pub doors to search for weapons.

The move is part of an ongoing government drive to tackle alcohol disorder, particularly among underage drinkers.

Two weeks ago she slammed cheap drinks promotions but also praised the industry for initiatives such as Challenge 21 for adddressing underage drinking.

Neil Williams, communications manager of the British Beer & Pub Association, criticised the Serve Legal survey.

He said: "It is not a true test. You can not parade these figures as giving a clear indication to underage sales when people visiting the pubs are not underage."

The BBPA is behind Challenge 21 which urges publicans to ask for ID from customers who look under 21.

Williams added: "We estimate we turn away over 1million underage sales a month."

In a similar Serve Legal test at supermarkets and off licences around 58 per cent of its mystery shoppers were asked for ID.