Almost one in five shops tested in the Basingstoke area failed checks for underage alcohol sales, it has been announced.
Hampshire county council’s Trading Standards officers carried out tests using underage volunteers at 11 premises and got two positive sales, which represents a failure rate of 18per cent.
The average across Hampshire is 12per cent and improving so this latest round is unusual, county bosses say. Both positive results took place in the Basingstoke district and alcohol was sold to the 16-year-old volunteers in spite of the Challenge 25 policy.
Nine other shops in Hook and Basingstoke all passed the test, with similar operations taking place throughout the year.
Anyone who suspects underage sales can phone 01962 833620, test HANTS UNDERAGE to 60003 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
More information is also available on www.hants.gov.uk/underagesales
