Popular London Bridge pub closes after failing test purchases of alcohol to youngsters aged 14-16

THE popular London Bridge pub near Stockton Heath has closed from 12 noon today (Monday) while staff undergo further training, after failing test purchases of alcohol to youngsters aged between 14-16.

The pub will remain closed for the next 48 hours for licensable activity while further training takes place.

Over the last 6 months, officers from the Licensing department at Warrington along with the assistance from Beat Management teams have carried out a number of test purchase operations at licensed premises across Warrington.
The aim of these operations is to keep our young people safe.

A number of premises have failed the test purchase, this means that they have served young volunteers with alcohol without asking for them to provide any proof of age. The volunteers that are used are between 14-16 years old.

Following the failure of a test purchase the staff member that made the sale and the manager of the pub are invited into the police station where licensing officers from the police and Warrington council carry out some further training around age verification.
On the 17th November, 2023, The London Bridge near Stockton Heath failed a test purchase. On the 1st of February 2024 a member of staff along with the manager attended at the police station and completed the training.
On the 8th February, 2024, the London Bridge again failed the test purchase.
As a result, action has now been taken against the premises and the venue has agreed to close from 1200 today, the 11th March until 1200hrs on the 13th of March. During this time no licensable activity can take place at the venue.
This is going to allow for further training of the staff to take place so that we can safeguard the young people of Warrington effectively.
Police Constable Lyndsey Dryden, Licensing Support Officer, said:“This closure is not about implementing a punishment; it is about safeguarding our young people.
“Such behaviour will not be tolerated here in Warrington, and the Local Policing Unit will continue work alongside our partner agencies to ensure that our town remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
“I hope that the action we have taken in London Road encourages members of the local community to inform us of any concerns they have regarding criminal or anti-social behaviour where they live or work.”
Anyone with concerns of suspicious or criminal behaviour in their area is asked to report it to Cheshire Police via the Cheshire Police website or call 101