POLICE in Caithness have welcomed action taken by licensed premises in the county, which failed in a sting operation targeted at underage drinkers.





Drink vendors pass underage test

FIVE licence-holders served underage teenagers with alcohol in an exercise, in which Northern Constabulary employed teenagers under 16 years, as bona fide customers.
Five premises, three in Wick and two in Thurso, failed the test, last month, with one shop assistant advising a young customer requesting wine, that he could get “two for £10”.
The force expressed disappointment at the results, given the high profile they had maintained on the dangers of alcohol.
However, at a meeting of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, last night (Monday) Chief Inspector Angus MacInnes, was pleased to report that the premises involved had been the subject of follow-up visits and all five had passed with flying colours, avoiding formal action in the shape of a formal report to the procurator fiscal.