PUBS and bars in the resort have passed spot checks with flying colours.
All of the 31 night spots which were raided by Blackpool Council’s Trading Standards team passed the test and avoided a possible heavy fine.
Pubwatch bosses today praised the professionalism of bar staff after a pair of 16-year-olds were sent into the town centre’s pubs by police officers and told to try to buy alcohol.
Under the strict laws, anyone not checking the youngsters for identification would have been immediately handed an on the spot £80 fine or a maximum £2,000 penalty if they decided to take the matter to court.
Craig Southall, chairman of Pubwatch in Blackpool, said: “This is the first time in our history we’ve had a 100 per cent success rate and it sends out a very positive message.
“Blackpool is leading the way and it’s very good for the town as this shows how seriously we take this.
“It is re-enforcing that Blackpool is a safer place.
“Pubs can be fined up to £20,000 and if they fail a test twice their licence is taken away.”
The raids were conducted throughout the town centre in an attempt to crack down on underage drinking in the resort.
Coun Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Trading Standards, added: “We regularly carry out test purchasing runs in premises all over Blackpool, to make sure businesses are keeping to the legal guidelines, in this case the under age selling of alcohol.
“These drills really help to drive up standards in the town and protect businesses and young people from the dangers of under-age selling.
“I’m delighted to say all of the businesses which were recently tested have passed by asking for the required ID card.
“Because of this, we can be even more confident these premises will continue this law during their everyday trading.”
A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said it was down to everyone to ensure children remained safe.
She added: “It is pleasing to see licensees have been taking their responsibilities seriously and staff are making checks for the correct identification.
“We all have our part to play when it comes to reducing underage sales.
“Youngsters who are under the influence of alcohol are more likely to commit anti-social behaviour and crime.
“Being drunk also increases a child’s vulnerability and means they are more susceptible to becoming a victim of crime themselves.”
Comments