A SCHEME that helps stop children buying booze has been hailed a success.
The Off-Watch Scheme provides training, advice and support to traders, as well as help them to put a stop to under-18s buying alcohol.
The borough council’s principal licensing officer Phil Andrews said: “We work with Trading Standards and they organise a number of test purchases throughout the borough to see if shops are selling alcohol to children.
“Our results for the last year show Off-Watch is really helping businesses in Hertsmere to think twice about serving a customer who they doubt is the legal age to buy alcohol.”
In the year to March, there were 17 attempts by under-age test purchasers in Hertsmere.
“All those tested passed with flying colours by refusing, or challenging.”
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