FOUR licensed premises have failed a test alcohol purchase operation conducted by police in East Hampshire.

Officers tested six premises using two 16 year olds as part of an operation to tackle underage drinking and the teenagers were served at four out of six premises targeted.

They were The Railway Hotel, Liphook, The Woodlands Inn, Bordon, Whitehill Stores in Whitehill and the One Stop, Bordon, who each received an £80 fixed penalty notice.

The premises which passed the test purchase operation were The Green Dragon and the Co-op in Liphook.

Sergeant Helen Smith, from the Safer Streets Team, said: "I am disappointed that four premises failed the test purchase operation. We will continue working with Trading Standards and will conduct more test purchase operations to help combat underage drinking, which can fuel anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and violence.

"However, I am pleased that two licensed premises passed the operation, as this shows they are taking their responsibilities seriously.

"I must reiterate the importance of checking the identity and age of any person buying alcohol. Retailers are strongly advised that if they're in any doubt as to the age of a customer buying alcohol, to follow the 'Challenge 21' initiative and ask anyone who looks under 21 for photo ID to prove that they are indeed over 18 years of age.

"Two of the premises that failed will now face a review of their licence having failed three test purchases."