Chichester District Council and Sussex Police have been working together to carry out test purchases, helped by Sussex police cadets posing as under-age customers.

Test purchases were tried at eight different off-licensed premises in Midhurst, Petworth and Camelsdale, following local intelligence suggesting under-age drinkers were buying alcohol from certain premises.

None of the off-licences visited sold to the test customers, which Heather Caird, portfolio holder for health at the district council, described as 'very reassuring'.

She said police were regularly dealing with youths drinking alcohol in public places in Midhurst and the surrounding area.

"Large quantities of alcohol have been seized in the past and we now need to identify the locations where this alcohol is being sourced," Cllr Caird said.

"Whether premises sell alcohol to under-age drinkers intentionally or through negligence, it is of great concern to the council and its partners.

"It is important we raise awareness this will not be tolerated among both the suppliers and purchasers in order to help resolve the problem."

Each of the licensed premises visited has been written to, advising them of the results from the operation.

The council said further undercover visits would be carried out to premises in the north and south of the district over the coming months.

Inspector Chris Woollerton of Chichester Neighbourhood Policing teams said al the premises which were tested passed with flying colours.

"This is a positive result and demonstrates a responsible approach to the sale of alcohol on these occasions," the inspector said.

"Alcohol is without doubt one of the main contributors to anti-social behaviour, and we will continue to challenge and hold to account those outlets where it is sold illegally to young people."

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