Police doing rounds on pubs

Officers have been inspecting such premises on a regular basis in the borough recently following reports that some bars and public houses have been selling alcohol to young people under the age of 18, particularly those attending formal functions.

During the inspections a number of offences have been disclosed, resulting in licensees and staff being reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

Police are reminding all licensees this week that officers will be enforcing the licensing laws and will prosecute anyone found in breach of the legislation.

Commenting on the continuing inspections, Inspector John Allen said: "I would like to remind landlords and owners that serving alcohol to underage people is an offence. “We all have a duty of care to our young people and selling alcohol to them, is not only unlawful, but can lead to the commission of offences including assaults, disorderly behaviour and acts of anti-social behaviour, which impact upon the whole community.”