A shop in Blackburn has been caught selling alcohol to children during a crackdown on underage drinking.
Two 14-year-old girls were able to buy alcohol from one out of the seven shops visited by police and Trading Standards on Friday night (15 October).
A member of staff from the shop will now pay £50 pounds to attend a course in 'Responsible Alcohol Retailing'.
The action, which involved officers from Blackburn town centre Neighbourhood Policing Team and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council come as part of Alcohol Awareness Week.
The week, which runs between Monday 18 October and Friday 22 October, is about encouraging young people to understand the health and behaviour risks associated with drinking alcohol.
Targeted events will be held across the county to help people understand the impact their alcohol intake can have on both adults and children.
Licensing Officer PC Steve Finley said "Selling alcohol to children is not only against the law but can also put these children at risk.
"We will continue to carry out similar operations and will take robust action against those who disregard their responsibilities when it comes to refusing sales to under-18s."
Councillor Yusuf Jan-Virmani, executive member for Neighbourhood and Customer Services, added "On this occasion, it is gratifying that the majority of premises were vigilant and declined a sale to underage children. In the case of the shop assistant who did sell, we will continue to work with those premises and monitor their activities. We take this very seriously and we will continue to work together to make sure that premises do not sell alcohol to children.
!"Any repeat of under-age sales by these premises will call into question their fitness to continue holding a licence, and may be referred to the licensing committe for action"
