Landlords caught selling drink to under-cover youngsters

The unnamed pubs in Swinton and Kilnhurst were issued with £80 fines after failing test purchases run by Police Community Support Officer Tom Harrop.

Young volunteers attended off-licence premises and public houses throughout Wath, Swinton, Kilnhurst, Mexborough, Connisborough and Denaby and attempted to purchase alcohol.

All of the off-licences passed the tests but staff at the two pubs will be visited by Rotherham licensing officer Helen Cooper will be intervening regarding education and enforcement processes.

Ms Cooper said: “We will be carrying out further test purchasing operations throughout Rotherham over the coming weeks and months and I urge all licensees to ensure that they are checking for identification where they suspect anyone is under age.

“We will follow licensing regulations very closely with any premises that fail these operations and warn that they could face a period of closure.”