Image demonstrating Holiday parks fail test purchase operation

Holiday parks fail test purchase operation

Northumberland holiday parks have performed disappointingly during a recent holiday time alcohol test purchase exercise carried out by the council.

Trading Standards officers from the Council’s Housing and Public Protection Service, ran a test purchase operation at holiday parks in the county during the busy holiday season, where an underage volunteer attempted to buy alcohol.

The operation targeted off-licence retail premises in five holiday parks to assess whether they were complying with relevant legislation and that those who were underage couldn’t buy alcohol.

Three of the five failed to identify the underage volunteer and sold alcohol to a minor.

The parks that failed will now be subject to further Trading Standards enquiries.

Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Resilience and Chair of the Safer Northumberland Partnership, said: “Northumberland is a popular tourist area with many people flocking to the region during the summer months. 

“ It is disappointing that a number of holiday parks have sold alcohol to our underage volunteer.  We will work with the parks who failed in this exercise in order to keep our residents and tourists to our county safe. 

“We are very willing to work with businesses to help them understand the law and what they can do to avoid making sales to young people.”

Trading Standards regularly carry out operations in relation to the sale of age restricted products such as alcohol, tobacco, knives and aerosol products.

Philip Soderquest, Head of Housing and Public Protection added: “Should members of the public have any concerns about the underage sale of products they are urged to contact Trading Standards and feel reassured that positive action will be taken to keep the community safe.”

Trading Standards can be contacted on 01670 623870 for anyone wishing to report concerns about underage sales or for local businesses seeking more information or advice about the sale of age restricted products. 
 
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