POLICE chiefs have praised pubs across a Hampshire town following an under age booze crackdown.

It comes after a successful test purchasing operation in Fareham to see if shops were failing to ID under-18s buying alcohol.

The operation targeted seven venues in unannounced inspections across the borough including The Seagull in Portchester; Ironmaster in Fareham; The Slug & Lettuce in Fareham; Costcutter in Fareham; The Good Intent in Fareham; The Co-op in Titchfield and The Bugle in Titchfield.

As part of the scheme, Hampshire Constabulary in partnership with Fareham Borough Council’s licensing team sent an underage teenage volunteer into the licensed premises to see if they would be asked for ID when buying a restricted beverage.

However, the venues passed their tests by carrying out the necessary checks and refused to serve alcohol to the volunteers.

The seven venues targeted had previously failed to carry out an appropriate ID check or served alcohol to an underage teenage volunteer during routine tests in May which targeted 15 venues.

Consequently, police ordered a retest which forced the seven premises who failed to review their company policies, procedures, systems, and training to identify areas of improvement.

The seven premises were also informed that a second failure could lead to a closure notice or changes to their license.

Chief Insp Sharon Woolrich said: “We’re really pleased, along with our colleagues from Fareham Borough Council’s licensing team, that all of the venues visited this week passed the spot checks with flying colours.“I’d like to thank the premises that initially failed the test purchasing operation in May for engaging with us to ensure that the proper procedures and staff training are in place.

“The work they’ve undertaken since our first visits has paid off and shows just how seriously licensees take their responsibilities to the local community.”

Inspector Woolrich added that the premises were chosen based on local knowledge ahead of the busy festive period, where sales of alcohol may increase.

“This is incredibly positive news for Fareham as it will have a positive impact on reducing alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.

“It also reduces the vulnerability of young people who may otherwise become a victim of crime or be taken to hospital for medical treatment.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners at Fareham Borough Council to undertake education, training, and test purchase operations with all licensed premises to ensure that these high standards are maintained.

“Regular communication with licensed premises also helps us to identify teenagers who may be attempting to buy alcohol who need support from either ourselves or another agency.”