Pub in Stockton Heath closed for 48-hours

A pub in Stockton Heath that was serving alcohol to under 18s has been closed down for 48-hours by police.

Over the last six months officers from the Licensing department in Warrington, along with the assistance from Warrington Beat Management team, 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, with the volunteers used being aged between 14 to 16-years-old used to carry out test purchases.

A number of premises failed the test purchase, serving alcohol to underage children without asking for them to provide any proof of age. Following any failures, the staff member that made the sale, and the manager of the pub, were invited into the police station where licensing officers from the police and Warrington council carried out further training around age verification.

The London Bridge pub initially failed the test on Friday 17 November 2023, following the failure a member of staff and the manager attended the police station on Thursday 1 of February 2024, where they completed the training. Despite this, on Friday 8 February 2024, the premises again failed the test purchase.

As a result, action has now been taken against the premises and the venue has agreed to close from 12pm on the Monday 11 March until 12pm on Wednesday 13 March. During this time no licensable activity can take place at the venue.

During the closure period further training of staff at the premises will take place.  

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.