Pub stings for sales to drunks

Sting operations targeting sales to drunks in pubs are to run in selected parts of the country as the festive season approaches.

But the Government does not plan to run a centrally-funded and co-ordinated series of stings, which had happened in previous years.

Plain-clothed officers will be planted in pubs and clubs in Blackpool and Fylde "monitoring the level of drunkenness and taking action against licensees who are seen to break the law."

Inspector Louise Leyland said: "This operation is focusing on premises where we have intelligence to suggest that violent crime and excessive drinking is an issue.

"We have provided training to all licensed premises so they know the signs that someone has had too much to drink and we expect them to enforce the law."

Meanwhile, pubs and bars across Greater Manchester have been told that police and council officials will be ensuring the law on not selling to drunks is adhered to over Christmas.

That news came at the launch of a new regional campaign to inform the public that alcohol sales to drunks are illegal. The message is carried on T-shirts for bar staff, as well as till-wobblers and posters in pubs.

It's likely that other areas will follow suit with similar festive operations. Paul Smith, executive director of late-night trade body Noctis, said: "There are a few areas that are looking very seriously at real or perceived issues in their locality."

A Home Office spokesman said there will be no centrally-funded national operations targeting pubs. However, 50 "priority areas" will still be able to access relatively modest funds — £30,000 each — as part of on-going alcohol operations.