SHOPS and off-licences are still being caught selling alcohol to teenagers, figures obtained exclusively by the Examiner reveal.
A Freedom of Information request by the Examiner has revealed which retailers have failed undercover alcohol purchases by teenagers.
Figures show almost a third of pubs and off-licences in one Huddersfield area failed police test buying ‘stings’ in recent years.
Police work with trained youths who enter shops and ask to be served – highlighting which stores are allowing them to buy booze.
Underage drinking is the main cause of anti-social behaviour which causes misery for residents across Kirklees.
The names of the shops which fail is not usually revealed by the police and some forces have attempted to prevent disclosure, but earlier this year journalists won a battle with South Wales Police arguing that the information was in the public interest.
An appeal to the Information Commissioner eventually ruled in favour of journalists’ rights to publish the information.
The Examiner’s request was for shops which had failed tests in the last year and what action had been taken.
By far the biggest name in the list is the Co-op on Old Bank Road in Mirfield.
The company operates a system which aims to question anyone who looks under-25, their website claiming they have a “moral and social” responsibility to members and customers.
Accepting a fixed penalty notice, they have now apologised for an individual lapse in vigilance by a staff member.
While not all the retailers could be reached, some small businesses told the Examiner that the risk of prosecution was so great they always did their best to comply with the law, and were working to prevent future failures.
Rana’s Food and Booze of Huddersfield Road in Dewsbury is run by Surinder Pal.
He said: “You make a mistake and you pay the consequences, in this instance I was distracted but the important thing is to take the lesson on board and move on.
“There was never any intention to break the law and it certainly hasn’t happened since.”
A spokesman for the One Stop Shop in Mirfield said the company had its own internal polices including a test purchasing scheme using adults which enforced compliance with an under 25s system.
A spokesman for Bhullar Bros said systems were in place and there were regular checks for ID cards.
A spokesman for Co-op said: “We take the issue of age-restricted sales extremely seriously, and has robust in-store procedures and systems to prevent under-age sales.
“Our instructions and training for staff members clearly state that any potential purchaser of age-restricted products who appears to be under the age of 25 years should be asked to provide proof that they are 18 or over.
“If none can be provided then the sale must be refused. We work closely with trading Standards officers and Police, throughout the country, to ensure that our systems and procedures reflect the very best industry practices. We regret on this occasion a staff member was not as vigilant in implementing our procedures as we would wish.”
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “We will take positive action against any premises found to be selling alcohol to juveniles.
“There is a link between alcohol and youth disorder and it is vital that licensees and their staff act responsibly and within the law to help us combat this issue.
“We encourage staff to ask for identification of any person who does not look 21 as we will continue to act on information from the local community and regularly conduct operations with our partners to ensure that our communities are safe places for people to enjoy a night out.
“Licensees who flout the law will be caught and repeat offenders face losing their licence.”
Businesses which failed the test
Rana’s Food and Booze, Dewsbury – licensee reported for summons.
Co-op, Old Bank Road, Sunnybank, Mirfield – Fixed Penalty Notice issued.
Woodhouse Newsagents, Sheepridge Road, Huddersfield – Fixed Penalty Notice issued.
One Stop Shop, Greenside Road, Lea Green, Mirfield – Fixed Penalty Notice issued
Jimmy’s Store, Ravensknowle Road, Almondbury – Fixed Penalty Notice issued
Westfield at Wyke, Whitehall Road, Bradford (classed as Kirklees division) – Fixed Penalty Notice issued
Bhullar Bros Ltd, Springwood St, Huddersfield – Fixed Penalty Notice issued
West Yorkshire Police ran a Serious Youth Violence Campaign within the Kirklees division late last year and into 2010. Test purchasing and mystery shopping operations were used to tackle the problem.
A further 20 premises were subjected to mystery shopping and 15 were closed either voluntary or forced due to serious breaches of licence. Some have been allowed to re-open after meeting strict criteria.
