A CRACK team of police officers probed pubs on their commitment to stopping kids drink booze, with one agreeing to serve a 14-year-old girl.

On the evening of Friday, November 13, officers from Cotswolds Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out a series of test purchases of alcohol around Cirencester, Tetbury and neighbouring villages to find out who was selling to underage customers.

The scheme, dubbed Operation Whistle, saw a teenage girl visit pubs with two plain clothes officers who watched as she tried to buy alcohol. She was told not to lie about her age or to produce ID if asked.

Of the 10 pubs probed, only the The Tunnel House in Coates failed and the offending member of staff was interviewed and issued with a £90 penalty notice.

Six of establishments the officers visited were ones that had failed similar tests in previous years. The Tunnel House was one that had failed previously.

Failing landlords can face fines of up to £5,000, be prosecuted or have their licence to sell alcohol revoked.

Police Sergeant Garrett Gloyn of the Cotswolds Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Whilst I was disappointed that a member of staff at one pub sold alcohol to our young person, overall I was pleased with the outcome. In fact, this is the lowest number of sales that I have known in running one of these operations. I will be writing to the premises supervisor at each of the venues that passed and thanking them for their diligence.

“Stores that sell alcohol have clear duties under the Licensing Act. Where stores failed, I will be in touch with the relevant managers to hear their strategy to rectify the situation. If they don’t improve their record they could lose their Licence to sell alcohol.”