Police Cadets help keep alcohol out of young hands during recent operation

Police cadets have been helping to crack down on underage alcohol sales and keep young people safe after taking part in a recent operation.

The operation tested ten licensed premises across Torquay Town Centre for compliance with age-restricted alcohol sales legislation.

The cadets played an important role in this, checking to see whether staff would ask them to provide ID in line with the Challenge 25 guidance.

Eight of the ten premises successfully passed and demonstrated good standards and appropriate procedures for checking customers’ ages.

However, two premises failed the test purchase and have since been issued with appropriate notices and guidance to improve staff awareness and ensure compliance with Challenge 25 principles.

Torquay Sector Inspector Rob Harvey explained: “These operations play an important role in preventing alcohol from falling into the hands of young people and supporting businesses to meet their licensing responsibilities.”

“We will continue to carry out test purchase operations across the area, including checks on the sale of other age-restricted products such as tobacco, knives and vaping products.”

“Alongside enforcement, we will continue working with local businesses to provide advice, support compliance, and help ensure they operate in accordance with their licensing conditions.”

“Thank you to our Police Cadets for their support and to the many businesses that are committed to protecting young people and helping keep our communities safe.”