Police say they are powerless to prosecute airport pubs and shops for selling alcohol to children.

Senior officers want Sussex Police Authority to lobby for a law change after licensing patrols found they could not take action against “airside” bars and duty free shops.

The problem arose when Sussex Police licensing officers carried out “test purchasing” operations in the departure area of Gatwick, after passengers go through security.

They found that though they found premises selling alcohol to underage drinkers, they could not use legislation under the Licensing Act 2003 to prosecute anybody.

Airport pubs and shops which are “airside” are exempt from the Act, so they have no premises licence in force.

For full report, see today's Argus.