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Over half of retailers fail in test purchase operation in North Somerset

Over half of retailers fail in test purchase operation in North Somerset
Photo: iStock

A number of shops selling alcohol in North Somerset have been issued with letters of warning following a test purchase operation carried out last week.

Nine shops sold alcohol to young persons without checking identification when neighbourhood officers - assisted by cadet leaders - attended 17 shops on 23 April.


The operation followed complaints from members of the community expressing concerns around under 18s purchasing alcohol, and subsequent anti-social behaviour in the area.

A letter of warning has been issued to the store owners, who will also be given further education around challenging and asking for identification from young people buying alcohol, Avon and Somerset Police said.

“We are disappointed at the number of shops who sold alcohol without asking for identification and would like to remind retailers of their responsibility to challenge appropriately any person attempting to purchase alcohol who looks under the age of 25,” Acting Police Sgt Ali Codd said.

“Future similar operations will be taking place where any offences may be dealt with by a prosecution.”