SIX licenced stores in Andover achieved a 100 per cent pass rate during a recent test purchase operation conducted by police.

Staff at all the six stores challenged two 17-year-old volunteers when they tried to buy alcoholic drinks, police said.

When the volunteers couldn’t produce the appropriate ID, the premises refused the sale.

The operation was conducted at Premier store in The Broadway, Angel public house in the High Street, Lidl in Western Avenue, Waitrose in Chantry Way, Asda in Anton Mill Road and Cost Cutter in Adelaide Road.

Police said the purpose of the operation was to test age verification policies and training.

The operation took place on Saturday, February 26.

Colin Pollard, licensing officer at Hampshire Constabulary, said: “We are really pleased with the 100 per cent pass rate in Andover as it demonstrates the robust age verification policies being implemented by the management and staff of these premises.

“Operations like this one reduce the risk of young people being involved in anti-social behaviour, committing offences or becoming a victim of crime themselves.

“We will continue to run these operations throughout the year to help keep our communities safe.”

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