Police in Ashby de la Zouch have apologised to two pubs over a letter asking them not to serve anyone under-21 — even if they are over 18.
Police had written to all off-licenses in the town asking them not to serve alcohol to anyone over the legal drinking age but under-21 "on the grounds that the alcohol may be supplied to young persons".
But the letter was also sent to two pubs, which were situated in the area most closely associated with anti-social behaviour from youngsters drinking.
Police proposed a voluntary trial period for the move over the weekends of 13-14 February, 20-21 February, 27-28 February and 6-7 March.
Police asked licensees to ask anyone who appears to be under-21 to produce ID but added: "If they can not prove that they are over-21, then the member of staff refuses the sale on the grounds that the alcohol may be supplied to young persons."
However, they have now apologised over the confusion in regard to the two pubs.
"We are sorry for the confusion — the voluntary scheme was just meant for off-licences," a police spokesperson said. "The letter was sent to two pubs in the area to let them know what was going on. It could have been better explained. We recognise this is a problem with off-licences not pubs."
Anti-social behaviour
Inspector Chris Brown, commander of North West Leicestershire local policing unit, said: "Ashby town centre continues to suffer from minor crime and anti-social behaviour caused by a minority of young people who are under the influence of alcohol. We believe that in some cases young people under the age of 18 are getting older friends to purchase alcohol on their behalf.
"In order to prevent this, we have written to off-licences to ask them to refuse to sell alcohol to customers who cannot prove they are over the age of 21. This is for a trial period on Friday and Saturday nights only and will be evaluated to see if it has a positive impact on underage drinking and associated issues of anti-social behaviour.
"This is a voluntary arrangement. However we hope that off-licences will support the police and the licensing objectives which are to prevent crime and disorder, promote public safety, prevent nuisance and protect children from harm."