One out of eight premises was caught selling alcohol to underage youths during a test purchasing operation in Wantage and Grove.

The operation on Saturday saw teenagers enter the licensed premises accompanied by undercover licensing officers and attempt to buy alcohol.

Police said that a member of staff working at Bellinger’s Service Station in Station Road, Grove, was issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice after serving the boys both alcohol and cigarettes.

Thames Valley Police Licensing Officer, Tony Cope, said: “We are carrying out these operations throughout Oxfordshire to ensure that proper procedures are in place. We will then help these premises to ensure that all members of staff are trained correctly.

“If a licensed premise fails these operations three times, we then consider reviewing their licence and it can be revoked.”

Nicola Dearling, Principal Licensing Officer for the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "We are determined to tackle underage drinking and one of the main ways in which we can do this is by taking tough action on places that break the law and sell alcohol to minors. By carrying out these operations we hope that the message will get through that underage sales will not be tolerated in the Vale."

Sgt Andy Fiddler, from the neighbourhood policing team, added: “Seven out of eight premises didn’t sell alcohol to an underage child, which is a good result.

“I would like to reassure residents that we will be carrying out these operations again in the future in an attempt to tackle underage drinking in the area.”

For more information about your local neighbourhood team, visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk or contact 0845 8 505 505.