Underage Test Purchasing Operation carried out by South Derbyshire District Council licensing department

South Derbyshire District Council’s licensing department has teamed up with Derbyshire Police Cadets once more to undertake a series of test purchases within the district as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting young people and promoting the responsible sale of alcohol.

Out of fourteen businesses tested in our most recent operation, we are delighted to announce that eleven of them passed with flying colours and refused to serve or sell alcohol to our young purchasers.

Unfortunately, three premises failed this test purchase exercise and sold age-restricted products to our underage volunteers.

The businesses that failed the operation will now be subject to the appropriate enforcement action.

Test purchase operations are an important tool in ensuring retailers comply with legislation relating to the sale of age-restricted products, helping to safeguard children and young people from harm.

Businesses are reminded of the importance of operating robust age verification policies, such as Challenge 25, ensuring staff receive regular training and refusing sales where valid identification cannot be provided.

3 November 2026