Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Police Licensing officers, working alongside Lancashire County Council Trading Standards, have carried out a recent test purchasing operation targeting underage alcohol and vape sales.
On Tuesday 17th February 2026, officers and Trading Standards visited nine shops and pubs across Preston and South Ribble following concerns raised by members of the public about potential unlawful sales.
During the operation, one premises failed to carry out the required age‑verification checks and sold a bottle of alcohol to two 15‑year‑old volunteers.
Police are now investigating the premises, which has also previously been found to sell alcohol to children.
South Division Licensing Sergeant, Dean Khan said: “Test purchase operations like this are vital in protecting young people from harm.
“I’m pleased that the vast majority of premises we visited acted responsibly and refused the sale.
“However, one failure is still one too many. Selling alcohol to children puts them at real risk, and we will continue to work closely with local businesses to ensure they understand their responsibilities and meet the standards expected of them.”
Councillor Joshua Roberts, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, said: “Our hard‑working Trading Standards team were out in force during the half term school holidays, checking that shops were being responsible and not selling age-restricted products to children.
"Our Trading Standards team instructed underage test purchasers aged 13-16 to try to buy vapes, cigarettes and alcohol at 47 businesses across the county.
"This operation, working alongside Lancashire Police officers, sends a clear message that we will continue to take firm and decisive action against any traders who choose to break the law.
"Protecting young people from harm is one of our highest priorities, and targeted activity like this is essential in ensuring that businesses fully understand and uphold their legal responsibilities. Selling alcohol to underage test sellers is simply unacceptable.
"By working proactively with local retailers and licensees, we can strengthen compliance, raise standards, and promote safe, responsible trading across all our communities.
"If anyone has concerns about shops selling age‑restricted products to young people, they can report them through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or at Contact us - Lancashire County Council."