Operation Punnet was a test purchase operation that took place in Rhyl and St Asaph in November 2009.
15 licensed premises were tested for underage sales on 3 consecutive weekends. 13 of the 15 premises sold alcohol to persons aged 15 years.
6 sold on one occasions, 4 of 2 occasions, and 3 on all 3 occasions.
The seven premises who sold alcohol on two or more occasions had their licences reviewed by a Sub Committee of Denbighshire’s Licensing Committee on 27 and 28 January.
Following the hearing, Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee and Chair of the hearing’s sub committee, Cllr Ian Gunning said, ‘ As a licensing Authority we will not tolerate underage drinking of alcohol in licensed premises or poor management structures in place to deal effectively with this problem.
“We are concerned that such matters have a detrimental effect on crime and disorder and anti social behaviour and have as a consequence taken these decisions.”
Superintendent Stephen Gould said: “The Central Division of North Wales Police remains committed to addressing violent crime and anti-social behaviour throughout our area to make it a safer and more pleasant place for people to live and visit.
“Working with our partners in this way is an important element in reducing alcohol related crime and disorder, but we are also keen to continue to work with local licensees to help them to run their premises in an orderly manner.
“We believe that a joint approach to problems of alcohol related disorder is the most effective way of providing safer communities.’
