Kings Arms and No.1 The Square in Bagshot fined for selling alcohol to underage customers.

STAFF at a restaurant and a pub in Bagshot have been fined for serving alcohol to an underage person.

Number One, in The Square, and the Kings Arms, in High Street, were among three licensed premises in Surrey Heath that failed a test purchase by Surrey Police.

Members of staff at both premises were given an £80 fixed penalty after an underage teenage test purchaser was able to buy alcohol.

The licensed premises were among 14 outlets targeted by police in Surrey Heath, with Krystals Express in Chertsey Road, Chobham also failing the test.

Surrey Heath borough commander Martin Goodwin said: "We work closely with and support licensees across the borough but once again we see a few irresponsible licensees selling alcohol to 15 and 16-year-olds in our communities. The reason for undertaking these test purchase operations is to safeguard the health of our children, reduce drunkenness and associated anti-social behaviour.

"As such, these intelligence led test purchase operations will continue regularly to ensure all licensees accept their licensing responsibilities. My team will continue to be robust in enforcing the law so expect no less in the future."

Borough licensing officer Rab Carnie said he will work with the management of the three premises which failed and provide a staff training package. 

Trading Standards at Surrey County Council will be informed of the outcome.

Mr Carnie said: "The operation was part of an ongoing commitment to prevent alcohol being sold to young people under the age of 18. The public are encouraged to report to police incidents where underage alcohol sales are going on or others are buying alcohol for those under age."