Just two out of seven pubs and clubs asked underage drinkers for ID during an undercover operation in Brighton and Hove on Friday.
Five venues are now facing action after teenage volunteers were sold booze during Brighton and Hove police’s latest alcohol test purchase operation.
Club Revenge in Old Steine, Lola Lo in East Street, The Bulldog in St James’s Street, The Blue Man in Queens Road and The View in Kingsway all failed to ask the 16 and 17-year-olds for ID.
The Joker in Preston Road and The King and Queen in Marlborough Place are in the clear after staff refused to sell them alcohol.
Brighton and Hove commander Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp said: “I am very disappointed that so many venues failed the tests.
“Selling alcohol to children puts them in danger. They need the protection of adults, not to be used as an easy way to make money.
“We are determined to crack down on those pubs, bars, clubs or restaurants who are willing to serve children. These venues must be aware that they are not only putting children at risk, they are also putting their own livelihoods at risk as we may look for their licences to be revoked.”
Sergeant Ben Hearth, from the Brighton and Hove licensing team, said: “We conduct these operations regularly. Each venue will have been reported to police by the public or an incident there involving a child will have been reported to police.
“The licensing laws require the premises management and staff to protect children from harm which means ensuring that children under the age of 18 years cannot purchase alcohol and also, in many cases, preventing them from having access to the venue.
“We will continue to run these operations to make sure that licencees are doing all they can to protect children from harm.”
The volunteers do not carry false ID. If asked for ID, the children are instructed to say they have none and to then leave the venue.
If you know a venue has sold alcohol to children, contact the force licensing team on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.
