POLICE are planning to apply to have the licence of a family pub revoked for selling alcohol to children.

Licensing officers say The Jolly Drover at Leadgate, near Consett, County Durham, has failed test purchase operations three times.

Landlord Ronnie Kay was fined £80 last week after serving two 15-year-old girls with two halves of lager last week.

But he feels the way in which the operations are carried out are underhand and designed to catch people out.

Mr Kay, who has run the pub for the last five years, said: "I know that it is wrong to serve underage people and it is not something that I would intentionally do.

"But they came in with two adults when I was very busy and stressed out.

"I was distracted because they came in with two burly gents in suits so I was more concerned about them. They caught me at a bad time.

"It is a bit like entrapment. I am gutted and my customers are disgusted."

Mr Kay said he knew test purchase operation were being carried out in the area and had warned his staff to be vigilant but said the girls looked as though they would pass for 18.

The Jolly Drover was one of ten out 16 premises in the Consett area to fail the test purchase operation last Thursday.

The girls who took part are volunteers and told not to be lie about their age if challenged.

Inspector Dave Turner, Consett Police, said police will apply to the licensing department of Durham County Council to have Mr Kay’s licence to serve alcohol revoked.

He said: "These girls did not look anywhere near 18, they don’t even look 16. They made no attempt to deceive.

"One of the biggest problems we have is underage drinking and youth nuisance, rowdiness and anti social behaviour that goes along with it.

"We are more than happy to sit down and discuss any concerns licensees have about identifying young people.

"All they have to do is ask someone for ID."

Other premises that failed the test and were include Home Bargains, Iceland, European Foods, The Demi, B + J Newsagent, and Spar in Consett, Khans Foodstore and Aldi in Leadgate and L & J Stores in Moorside.