Pubs and clubs fail underage drink test (From Swindon Advertiser)

Pubs and clubs fail underage drink test

1:54pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Scott D'Arcy

Wiltshire Police have said they are disappointed after a number of licensed premises in Swindon failed a recent test purchase undercover operation.

A total of nine premises in the town centre and Old Town served the underage volunteer helping Wiltshire Police undertake the operation.

Of these nine, four had previously failed the test in 2011.

Wiltshire Police will now be asking Swindon Borough Council to review the licenses of five of these venues.

Police licensing Officer Sian Kalynka said: “We are disappointed in the results from the test purchase op last weekend.

“The local Pubwatch scheme is told in advance that Wiltshire Police will be undertaking test purchases in their venues.

“Wiltshire police has created a training package for the pub staff and deliver it free of charge. Most of the venues who failed have received this training at least once.

“The licensed venues have an obligation to actively create a safe environment and one where children especially are protected from harm. These recent figures show that a large proportion of the venues are failing to uphold these objectives.

“Wiltshire Police and Swindon Borough Council will continue to work together to tackle alcohol related violence within our Night Time Economy areas of Swindon and this includes work to address street drinkers.  Our efforts have seen violence against person reports in the town centre reduce by 22%.

“Wiltshire Police will continue to run test purchase operations and will continue to work with the venues providing training, support and guidance.”

The licensing Act 2003 deregulated licensing and gave the day to day control to the licensee.

They were tasked to monitor and police their own venue also to limit any adverse impact caused by the supply of alcohol.

They have to actively uphold the four licensing objectives:
1) The prevention of crime and disorder
2) Public safety
3) Prevention of Public nuisance
4) The protection of children from harm.

Any failure to uphold these objectives can lead to a review of the premises licence to consider if the holder is a fit and proper person to hold this position of trust.