SEVENTY-FIVE per cent of licensed premises served alcohol to under-18s in a test purchasing operation.

The crackdown by Lancashire Police and Blackburn with Darwen trading standards officers saw eight pubs and clubs in the borough visited on Saturday night.

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A youngster was sent into the premises to try to buy alcohol.In six of the locations, they were served a drink without question.

Officers said they and their colleagues from trading standards would now be working with the premises which failed to decide on action to be taken against them. It could include prosecution or the offer of training in responsible alcohol retailing.

Sgt Jason Middleton, from the licensing team at Blackburn, said: “While I would like to pay credit to the premises which refused to serve alcohol to our test purchasers it is extremely disappointing that the majority failed and we will now be working with those premises to try to make sure this does not happen again.

“The responsibility not to serve alcohol lies with everyone at licensed premises from the management, the bar staff and the door staff.

“And I would appeal to all of those who work in the licensed trade in Blackburn and Darwen to ensure that they are taking their responsibilities in this area seriously.”

Coun Yusuf Jan-Virmani, executive member for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Customer Services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “This type of operation is a vital part of helping to ensure young people stay safe and anti-social behaviour is reduced.

“I hope this sends a clear message that as a borough, we will not tolerate the sale of alcohol to children.”

Anybody with information about licensed premises selling alcohol to under-18s should call 101.

n You can be stopped, fined or arrested by police if you’re under 18 and drinking alcohol in public. If you’re under 18, it is against the law for someone to sell you alcohol, to buy or try to buy alcohol, and for an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for you. to drink alcohol in licensed premises (eg a pub or restaurant) If you’re 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal.

If you’re 16 or under, you may be able to go to a pub (or premises primarily used to sell alcohol) if you’re accompanied by an adult. However, this isn’t always the case. It can also depend on the specific conditions for that premises.

It’s illegal to give alcohol to children under 5.