A BAR and a shop have been fined for selling alcohol to underage customers.

In a test purchasing operation carried out by Sussex Police licensing officers on Thursday 23/10 two businesses were visited.

At the One Stop off licence in Tangmere Road, Tangmere, a 16-year-old was served with alcohol and at Wests Bar in West Street, Chichester, a 15-year-old and 16-year-old were served.

A £90 fixed penalty notice was issued in each case.

Sergeant Mike Balmer, West Sussex licensing officer, said: "Serving alcohol to people under the age of 18 is against the law and these operations are designed to identify premises that are not meeting the required standards.

"Failing premises can expect close attention from the police. They risk prosecution and a review of their premises licence. With good quality staff training and effective use of till technology, no premises should fail such tests.

"This isn't about catching people out in an unguarded moment. By working closely with the licensed premises we hope to reduce the number of children having easy access to alcohol, which not only protects them from the health and other dangers posed by alcohol, but can also be a significant factor in reducing anti-social behaviour that may occur as a result."