Shops pass underage drink 'test'

A police operation to test whether off-licences would sell to underage drinkers found that all of them refused to serve the "test" teenagers.

All 15 stores approached by the young buyers in an operation for Lancashire police and trading standards refused to sell them alcohol.

The operation was carried out in Blackburn and Burnley.

Sgt Abid Khan said that the results showed the "strong message" from police was getting across.

"This operation was carried out as part of our commitment to reduce anti social behaviour and underage drinking," Sgt Khan said.

"We know that such behaviour causes our communities particular concern.

"It is sometimes the case that young people get alcohol from off licenses but this clearly was not the case during this operation."