Three pubs in Caerphilly County Borough have been caught selling alcohol to a 14-year-old in a sting operation by Trading Standards.
Fines of £80 were issued on the night to the sellers at each of the three premises. The council has said investigations are now underway in respect of further action against the owners of the businesses.
The council has not named the three pubs despite a request from Caerphilly Observer to do so.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards teamed up with officers from Gwent Police for the operation which tested nine different pubs.
Cllr Rob Gough, cabinet member for public protection said: “In addition to committing offences themselves, those who sell alcohol to those underage are indirectly also contributing to wider community problems including antisocial behaviour.
“I would point out that the vast majority of our local licensees do take their responsibilities seriously, and actively work alongside us to promote responsible alcohol sales. However there does remain a very small minority who are irresponsible in their approach, and our Trading Standards and Licensing Officers will continue to work alongside our partners at Gwent Police on operations and other enforcement activity to ensure they do not get away with it.”
Sergeant Rob Davies, of Gwent Police, said: “Businesses taking advantage of children by supplying with them with alcohol is a matter taken very seriously by Gwent Police. This recent test purchase operation shows the lengths that partners will go to identify offenders.
“We can not emphasise enough the damage that Gwent Police deals with on a daily basis because of inappropriate consumption of alcohol – this includes anti-social behaviour and violence. We want to drive down this offending and an important method is to protect our young people from unscrupulous people in the licensing trade.”
Maria Evans, lead officer for the substance misuse action team, part of the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership, said: “We continue to fully support the work carried out tackling the illegal sale of alcohol to young people.. Young people who drink alcohol can be extremely vulnerable and put themselves at risk of serious physical and emotional injury while under the influence of what can be a dangerous and damaging drug.
“Alcohol misuse among all age groups remains a top priority for all partners of the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership and we are committed to working together to tackle this issue and its wider effect on the community. We hope that the outcome of this recent operation sends a strong message to anyone who considers selling alcohol to someone they suspect may be underage, or to someone they suspect of purchasing on behalf of someone underage.”
What patronage are the council covering up in not giving the names and locations of these irresponsibly operated licenced premises.
The Council are eager enough to publish the names and addresses of citizens who get fined for litter, or dog fouling, but, in some twisted logic they deliberatly protect the identity of these criminal landlords.
Get a grip. And, level this playing field.