Underage booze crackdown: Four pubs caught selling to teens on Isle of Wight! A tough test purchasing operation targeted 19 licensed spots across Newport and Ryde on Sunday 15 April. The aim? To stop underage teens from scoring alcohol before the busy summer rush kicks off.
Four fined after failing test. Out of 19 premises, 15 passed with flying colours, but four failed and got slapped with £90 fixed penalty notices. The unlucky venues face return visits and serious warnings. A second fail could mean a licence hit or even closure.
The venues that failed include Central Stores, High Street, Newport and Wheatsheaf Hotel, St. Thomas Square, Newport. Additional venues are subject to follow-up visits.
Police warns of tougher measures ahead. Superintendent Sarah Jackson, head of Isle of Wight policing, said: “We’re pleased most premises passed the check. The four that didn’t must step up their game to stop alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour. Proper training and procedures are a must.”
She added: “Such operations protect young people from crime and medical harm. We’ll keep working with the council on education, training, and future test purchases to keep standards high.”
Success stories: Venues getting it right. These venues aced the test and proved they’re responsible guardians of age restrictions:
- Hogshead, High Street, Newport
- Slug and Lettuce, High Street, Newport
- Man In The Moon, St. James Street, Newport
- Iceland Supermarket, South Street, Newport
- Fowlers (J D Wetherspoon), Union Street, Ryde
- McColls, Union Street, Ryde
- Olivo’s Ltd, Union Street, Ryde
- The Blacksheep Bar, Union Street, Ryde
- Sainsbury’s, Union Street, Ryde
- Kasbah, Union Street, Ryde
- Greenhams, Union Street, Ryde
- The King Lud, Ryde Esplanade
Regular checks continue to keep underage sales in check and protect vulnerable youngsters from harm ahead of the summer season.
Originally published by UKNIP.
