FOUR outlets in Winchester and one in Bishop's Waltham have failed in a test purchase operation by police to combat underage drinking.

Officers conducted a test purchase using two teenagers to see if they would be served alcohol. The youngsters, aged 15 and 16, were served at five of the 10 premises targeted.

Sergeant Karen Fisher, of the community safety unit, said: "We will continue to target premises that we suspect sell alcohol to under-age customers.

"Licensees and off-licence owners need to operate their businesses responsibly and check the ID of young customers."

The premises that passed the test purchase operation were: Southern Co-op, West Street, Alresford; Tesco Express, Broad Street, Alresford; Murco Petroleum, Bar End, Winchester; One Stop, Garbett Road, Winnall, Winchester; Old Market Inn, The Square, Winchester.

The outlets that failed were: The Ship Inn, Wales Street, Winchester; The Green Man, Southgate Street, Winchester; One Stop, Battery Hill, Winchester; Pickards, Stockbridge Road, Winchester; The Crown, The Square, Bishops Waltham.

The failures either were dealt with by fixed penalty notice, or are being visited by police to discuss the conditions of their licence.

* Retailers are getting help from Hampshire County Council's Trading Standards to reduce the sale of restricted goods to young people in the county.

The Underage Sales Retailer Pack, which is full of help and advice on the selling of controlled items, has been distributed to shop owners in a bid to improve compliance.

In October, the age limit for buying cigarettes and tobacco rises from 16 to 18 years.

Retailers or the public who would like more information can visit: www3.hants.gov.uk/underagesales/underagesales-