Drinks vendors pass underage sales test
POLICE in Caithness have welcomed action taken by licensed premises in the county, which failed in a sting operation targeted at underage drinkers.
Five licence-holders were caught serving alcohol to teenagers in the exercise, last month, in which Northern Constabulary employed teenagers under 16 years, as bona fide customers. The premises, three in Wick and two in Thurso, failed the test 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 and being the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.