POLICE officers will be going undercover to make sure Southend bars, pubs and clubs do not sell booze to people who are already extremely drunk.
The plain-clothed officers will pose as punters at randomly-selected premises throughout the borough as part of campaign running up until Christmas Eve.
If a bartender is caught serving booze to a sozzled customer, they face an on-the-spot fine and details of the premises will be kept on file, so repeat offences can be flagged up.
The licensees could also face the possibility of having their licence reviewed if they are caught, which could ultimately result in having their businesses restricted or even closed by the local licensing committee - as well as being "named and shamed".
Published Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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