A PUB landlord has appeared in court after selling booze to underage drinkers.
Philip McGowan, 45, admitted the charge when he appeared before Kirklees magistrates.
Prosecutor Linda Fowler said that on July 20, West Yorkshire Police carried out a test purchase operation at the White Horse pub in Heckmondwike.
Officers sent in a boy and a girl, aged 15 and 16, to try to buy drink.
McGowan, the premises supervisor, sold two bottles of blue WKD to the teenagers.
Ms Fowler said: “The drink was sold to them in the presence of two plain clothed police officers.
“They took possession of the bottles and spoke to Mr McGowan, who admitted selling them.”
McGowan, of Market Place in Heckmondwike, had no previous convictions.
The 45-year-old blamed the incident on his stress over issues including staffing levels. He promised that he had put measures in place to ensure no future incidents.
He said: “I’m deeply embarrassed. I’ve been in the licensed trade for a number of years and this is the first time this has happened.
“I have told all staff that if anybody comes in who does not look over 21 and doesn’t have ID they don’t get served.”
Magistrates fined McGowan £400 and told him to pay £85 costs as well as a £15 victim surcharge.
