Chesterfield pubs adhere to underage drinking laws

None of the seven premises visited sold alcohol to the underage volunteers.

The operation was carried out jointly by Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team and Derbyshire police on Saturday, September 20.

Sergeant Steve Ashby of the police licensing unit for Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, Bolsover and Amber Valley said: “It is really pleasing to see that all seven of the licensed premises we visited passed. They all operated the Challenge 25 protocol, asked for ID and refused to serve the underage drinker.

“A number of similar operations have been carried out before and we’ve worked with local licence holders and staff to make sure they are aware of the rules and feel more confident in checking identification.”

Sergeant Ashby added: “Underage drinking affects the wider community in that it can often lead to anti-social behaviour and there is also a risk to the health and personal safety of that young person.

“Derbyshire police will continue to work alongside partner agencies to ensure staff at licensed premises keep up the excellent work and to continue challenge anyone that does not look 25-years-old before they make a sale.”

Test purchase operations are regularly carried out throughout Derbyshire and similar checks are being planned for the future.