Three Colchester off-licences could be one sale away from losing their licence
They were snared by a joint operation between police and trading standards in which a teenage boy was sent in to try to buy alcohol.
Of seven places tested in and around the town, staff in four refused to serve the child.
But in the other three he was sold alcohol and the shops are likely to get a caution.
If they are caught in future checks, Essex Trading Standards will prosecute them. If they are found guilty, an application could be made to take away their licences.
Colchester police licensing officer Mick Aitchison said the number of shops where the youngster was served was "disappointing".
He said all off-licence managers in the town had been sent a letter about serving people under-18. Trading standards officers had visited all the shops checked.
Anyone with information about off-licences serving people underage should call Mick Aitchison on 01206 717609
Published Tuesday November 5, 2002
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