Off-licence warned after selling alcohol to a 15-year-old during Preston police and trading standards operation

By Brian Ellis
Published 9th Oct 2022, 11:01 BST
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A Preston off-licence has been warned it could have its licence reviewed after it was caught selling alcohol to a 15-year-old during an operation by police and trading standards officers.

The shop, in Ashton, was the only one of 14 premises visited across the city to fail a test purchase during anti-social behaviour swoop called Operation Dragonfish on Friday night.

Officers from Preston Police's licensing team together with LCC Trading Standards inspectors carried out the operation using underage shoppers trying to buy alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarettes.

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13 of 14 shops passed with flying colours in a test purchase by 15-year-olds in Preston.13 of 14 shops passed with flying colours in a test purchase by 15-year-olds in Preston.
13 of 14 shops passed with flying colours in a test purchase by 15-year-olds in Preston.

"We’re pleased to announce that 13 of the 14 premises passed with flying colours,” said a spokesman.

"Unfortunately one off-licence in Ashton-on-Ribble sold alcohol to our 15-year-old test purchaser.

"The premises will be revisited in due course and could see the licence reviewed. The cashier will also undergo a formal interview under caution too.

"Children being sold alcohol and tobacco is an issue that often causes further problems within communities and is a matter which we treat seriously.”