Cheltenham retailers achieve 100% pass rate in underage alcohol test purchasing operation

Cheltenham Borough Council's licensing team, in partnership with Gloucestershire Constabulary, carried out a test purchase operation in Cheltenham town centre on Saturday 31 October 2026. As part of the operation, police cadets attempted to purchase alcohol from eight retail premises across the town.

All eight businesses visited correctly requested proof of age and refused the sale of alcohol to the underage test purchaser.

Four of the premises had previously failed a similar test purchase operation on 22 August 2026. The latest results show a significant improvement and highlight the value of continued engagement with local businesses around their responsibilities when selling age-restricted products.

During the operation, the test purchaser was accompanied by plain clothes officers who observed each attempted transaction. The tester does not carry identification and does not misrepresent their age, ensuring the integrity of the process and compliance with legal standards.

The operation supports the licensing objective of protecting children from harm, as set out in the Licensing Act 2003, and provides reassurance that retailers are taking their responsibilities seriously when it comes to age-restricted sales.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: "Working with Gloucestershire Police, we regularly carry out test purchase operations to help ensure businesses are operating responsibly and meeting their legal responsibilities.

"It is encouraging to see all eight businesses refusing the sale of alcohol to an underage customer during this operation, especially since several had failed in a similar operation in August. We appreciate them taking prompt steps to strengthen their procedures.

"I would also like to thank the police cadets who supported the operation. Their contribution is invaluable in helping our licensing officers and Gloucestershire Constabulary carry out this important work, helping to promote responsible retailing and protecting young people within the community."

PC Walter from the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury licensing team said: "We regularly carry out joint operations with our partner agencies to ensure licensed premises are operating responsibly.

"I am pleased to hear that all of the businesses passed the operation, and even more so after four failed previously.

"It is encouraging to see that those premises have demonstrated improved compliance following the feedback and meetings we had with them.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to our police cadets as these operations wouldn't be possible without them and their willingness to be involved.

"Their support was greatly appreciated and contributed significantly to the success of the operation."

Businesses are reminded that selling alcohol to a person under the age of 18 is a criminal offence and can result in enforcement action, including fines, prosecution and reviews of premises licences.

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Cheltenham retailers achieve 100% pass rate in underage alcohol test purchasing operation

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