UNDERAGE drinkers have been turned away from pubs during a police operation. Officers and Trading Standards officials visited four licensed premises in Hitchin to test their procedures for underage drinkers. The Radcliffe Arms, Club 85, The Phoenix and Th
UNDERAGE drinkers have been turned away from pubs during a police operation.
Officers and Trading Standards officials visited four licensed premises in Hitchin to test their procedures for underage drinkers.
The Radcliffe Arms, Club 85, The Phoenix and The Red Hart all refused entry to two youngsters who were being watched by plain clothed officers and a standards officer.
Julie Wheatley, community inspector for Hitchin, said: "It is extremely encouraging to see that, without exception, the premises we visited refused entry to the young people who were working with police and trading standards.
In addition to their participation in this recent operation, officers from trading standards are among the first in the country able to issue fixed penalty notices for disorder to anyone who sells alcohol to a person under 18. The officers gained the new powers under the Police Reform Act (2002) and the fine is normally £80.
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