Police clamp down on pubs serving after hours

Three pubs and two off-licences were temporarily shut down by police in Manchester, as part of a major initiative to tackle underage drinking and alcohol-related crime and disorder.​ Under the 'Think Safe Drink Safe' campaign, two pubs in the Moston area were closed on January 27. The first venue was shut after police discovered customers drinking after time.

In the second pub, police found the licensee intoxicated and not in full control of the venue. On the same night two shops in Moston voluntarily stopped trading and serving alcohol because the staff in charge were not in possession of a licence.

On January 28 a pub was also closed in Newton Heath and reported for after hours drinking.

In Ancoats two off-licence staff were issued with £80 fixed penalty notices for serving alcohol to underage test purchase volunteers.

All the venues were allowed to continue trading as normal the following day.

Over the coming weeks, regular checks will continue to be carried out on pubs and off-licences across the city.

Those found breaking the law could face punishments ranging from fines to closure orders and loss of licence.

Superintendent Gerry Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police said: "We take alcohol-related crime very seriously and irresponsible retailers will face a financial penalty.

"We will, however, continue to work with them to ensure that young people are not put at risk and licensed premises and shops licensed to sell alcohol check for ID if a customer looks underage."