Licensed premises in Bognor Regis targeted in undercover operation

Pick-A-Wish in the High Street was among those caught selling alcohol to children by police.

Sussex Police’s licensing team are currently conducting undercover operations at off-licences in the Arun district.

Sixteen-year-old children have been given authority under the Licensing Act to purchase alcohol from premises and test whether the staff are diligent enough to refuse the sales.

Offences have been dealt with through on-the-spot-fines for £80 to the person who sold the alcohol to the children.

Police are currently dealing with the management of the premises to ensure that correct staff training and other preventative measures are implemented.

Sergeant Simon Morgan of the west Sussex licensing team said: “It is an offence to sell or allow the sale of alcohol to a person under 18.

“Sussex Police expect the management and staff of these stores to take responsibility to protect children from harm and ensure that sales of alcohol are not made to young people.

“Preventing the sale of alcohol to children is viewed very seriously by Sussex Police who will not hesitate to ask the licensing authority to conduct a review of the licenses of poorly managed premises, asking for suspension or even revocation of the licence.”

Other retailers caught out were The Offie and The Local Offie both in Littlehampton.