Welsh pubs face weekend closure
Two North Wales pubs must decide between prosecution or a weekend shutdown after failing three underage sting tests over two months.
The case is a warning to pubs as the tough new "two-strikes-and-you're out" rule on underage sales (Two strikes underage alcohol rule in today) is introduced today (29 January).
Three stings were carried out by police and Conwy Trading Standards on 4 and 11 December and 15 January.
Nine out of 10 premises tested sold alcohol to the 15-year-old girl and the Ship Inn, Old Colwyn and the Bull, Abergele failed three times.
The two pubs must voluntarily close from 7pm on Friday 26 February until 7pm on Sunday 28 February for extra staff training or face prosecution.
The premises licences of the pubs will also be reviewed.
Fines
Under the "three-strikes" rule introduced in 2007, licensees face £10,000 fines and three-month licence suspensions for three underage sales within a three month period.
"The three-strikes rule had become more widespread, and today's introduction of the two-strikes rule will serve as a clear warning to licensees who could lose a lot of business," said Morning Advertiser legal editor Peter Coulson.
"The 48-hour closure can be specified by police at any time within 14 days of the closure notice. To be specified over a weekend is a punishment.
"The two-strikes rule is very tough. The trade is under a lot of pressure."
Meanwhile, five of the 10 pubs that failed two stings will get their licences reviewed. The premises that failed one test have received a formal letter of warning, which is registered on their files.
In a similar incident, three venues in Rhyl, North Wales were also forced to close over one of the busiest weekends in the run up to Christmas (11 to 13 December).
Conwy council spokesman Dave Beesley said: "Underage test purchasing, backed up where necessary by appropriate enforcement action, is the only way to deal with the small number of licensed premises who persistently break the law and refuse to act in a socially responsible manner."
