Pubs caught selling alcohol to teenagers
Two pubs in Staffordshire failed police stings and were caught selling alcohol to underage drinkers, it emerged today.
The Samson Blewitt in Hednesford is facing a licence review after serving girls aged 15 and 16. Six new conditions have been put on the licence of the Hen House in the town after a second breach in two years.
The Hen House in Eskrett Street was ordered to only accept valid photographic identification as proof of age, must keep a register of refused sales to under 18s and improve staff training following its latest offence, in August. The Samson Blewitt, in Rosehill, failed a sting in the same month.
The Punch Tavern-run Hen House first ran into trouble in December 2011 when staff sold alcohol to a 15-year-old girl.
In August, two girls aged 15 and 16 were sent in as part of another compliance test operation and were served WKD vodka. It was filmed by trading standards officers. In 2011 an £80 fixed penalty notice was issued but this time Punch Taverns and manager Sharon Hughes have been given the additional conditions.
The police have asked Cannock Chase Council to review The Samson Blewitt pub's licence. It comes after two underage girls were served alcopops at the Hednesford pub in August during a test purchase.
That member of staff was formally interviewed by the police and given a fixed penalty notice for serving the 15-year-old and 16-year-old.
In a letter to the council, Michelle Hazlewood from John Gaunt & Partners on behalf of the pub, said: "The application for review relates to a single failed test purchase on August 25. Within the review application no reference is made to any other incidents arising at the premises."
A decision will be made on Friday.
