Six Leicester pubs and shops face licence review

Six off-licences and pubs in Leicester face a licence review after failing two test purchases in a seven-week period. Police carried out 181 test...

Six off-licences and pubs in Leicester face a licence review after failing two test purchases in a seven-week period.

Police carried out 181 test purchases at pubs and off-licences as part of its "Safer Summer" campaign. On 34 occasions, alcohol was sold to under-18 test purchasers.

Six premises now face a licence review:

• Rutland Arms, Aylestone Road

• Kogul News, 211/213 Saffron Lane

• Mayfield News, 23 Mayfield Road

• Ganesh Stores, 151 Doncaster Road

• Costcutter, 87/97 Netherhall Road

• Mills, Bewcastle Grove

In addition PJ Stores would have face a licence review but has ceased trading. "The failure rate for bars and off-licences was around 19% during the campaign, which is a decrease from this time last year," said PC John Webb.

"Some of the premises we visited were highlighted to us by members of the public and we thank them for their help in tackling this problem.

"The members of staff who sold the alcohol have been interviewed by police and issued with £80 fines. However the consequences for the licence holder of the premises are far more serious as is demonstrated by the six that now face a scrutiny of their licence by councillors.

"The summer campaign has concluded but test purchasing will continue to be a priority for police in the city with more operations planned. We urge parents and other members of the public to please call us if they suspect a shop or bar is selling alcohol to under-18s."