Licensed premises fails recent test purchasing operation in Sutherland and Easter Ross

22nd December 2012

On Saturday 15 December 2012, Officers from Northern Constabulary completed a Test purchase operation within Off-Sales Licensed Premises within the Sutherland and Easter Ross areas, which as a result one premises failed.

Test purchase operations involves the use of specially trained young persons, who under close supervision of Police Officers, enter licensed premises and attempt to purchase alcohol over the counter, whilst being under 18 years of age.

During this operation a total of 17 Licensed Premises were tested, in Tain, Dornoch, Golspie, Brora and Helmsdale, of which 16 challenged the young person and refused to sell them alcohol.

Unfortunately one premises failed the test and served the young person with alcohol. As a result of this, a report is to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal at Dornoch.

The results of this operation are extremely encouraging, proving that the licensee's are taking their role very seriously and are clearly training their staff to a high standard.

This Test Purchase Operation was supported by Sutherland Drugs and Alcohol Forum, Chairman Jim Kelly stated: "Test purchasing is just one of a range of valuable methods being used to tackle underage drinking and alcohol related crime. It is not just a policing matter however, communities, families and suppliers are key to changing attitudes to more responsible drinking in the long term."

Operations such as these have proven to be very successful and will continue to take place throughout the Force area.