Police are naming and shaming drink outlets in Brighton and Hove which illegally sold alcohol to minors.

This follows a number of test purchases by under-age police cadets who successfully bought booze in off licences and supermarkets.

Test purchases were made on Friday during initiatives codenamed Operation Mixer for off-licences and Operation Alcopop for other outlets.

Two out of three supermarkets tested sold alcohol to the cadets without challenging them about their ages or asking for identification.

Police said the individuals selling the alcohol at each of the premises - Somerfield in St James's Street and Sainsbury's in Lewes Road - were issued a £80 fixed penalty notice.

Tesco's in Church Road, Hove, had previously failed a test purchase but this time the cadet was refused.

Three premises were visited for Operation Alcopop.

The West Quay pub in Brighton Marina challenged the cadets at the bar and refused to sell alcohol to them.

But the Bowlplex at the marina and the Dyke Road Tavern both sold alcohol and have received follow-up licensing visits. A police spokeswoman said: "This was the latest phase of test purchase operations."

On Wednesday last week police conducted test purchases in the St James's Street, George Street, Queens Road, Preston Street and North Street areas where there was an influx of youths due to an under 18s "Nappy Night" at the nearby Event nightclub in West Street. In total 14 premises were tested.

The spokeswoman said: "Eight premises did not sell alcohol to the cadets who were challenged and failed to produce ID or proof of age.

"Four premises that sold alcohol were Maces Express in St James's Street, Convenience Corner in St James's Street, Threshers in St George's Road and Budgens in Queen's Road.

"At each of these premises, the person selling the alcohol was issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice.

"Our message to staff is to remain vigilant and alert to the fact that young people may be actively trying to obtain alcohol from their premises and to be robust when checking for agerelated identification.

"We will endeavour to work with and support responsible licensed premises in our commitment to reduce alcohol-related public place violent crime in all areas of our city.

"Licenced premises acting irresponsibly will be targeted over the coming months and any offences will be rigorously dealt with."