Three off-licences have been caught supplying alcohol to children in Brighton and Hove.
Officers from Brighton and Hove neighbourhood licensing team tested four off-licences during the operation on 29 January.
Staff at Poets Convenience Store in Westbourne Street, Vega Express in Sackville Road and Tesco Express in The Droveway sold alcohol to a young volunteer working for the police.
The workers who served the child at Poets Convenience Store and Vega Express were issued with £90 fixed penalty notices and the management will be invited to meet with the licensing team for a formal meeting.
Officers are investigating what action should be taken against Tesco Express. The management of the store will also be invited to meet with the licensing team for a formal meeting.
Staff at Wine Me Up in Blatchington Road refused to serve the child.
Sergeant Ben Hearth, from Brighton and Hove neighbourhood licensing team, said: “We conduct test purchase operations with our partners in Trading Standards on a regular basis and premises are targeted following various intelligence provided to us.
“The last tests conducted in Hove resulted in three of the four premises tested selling to our 16-year-old volunteers, which is very disappointing.”
Jean Irving, Sussex Police’s head of licensing and public safety, said: “The selling of alcohol to children seems to be becoming more prevalent.
“Some premises appear to be more interested in increasing their profits rather than exercising social responsibility and adhering to the law.
“Giving alcohol to children puts them in danger – it’s as simple as that.
“Any premises caught selling alcohol to children puts their licence in danger. We will not hesitate to consider applying for a review of the licence to ask for removal of management or even asking for the licence to be revoked.”
If you have any information about children purchasing alcohol contact the licensing team on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.
Plying children with alcohol is a pretty blatent grooming ploy.