STAFF at two Rossendale pubs have been slapped with fines for serving alcohol to under-age teens.

An employee of The Swan Hotel, in Market Street, Bacup and The Jolly Sailor in Booth Road, Waterfoot, were handed £80 fines after two 15-year-old boys working for the police successfully attempted to buy alcohol without being quizzed.

The borough-wide operation launched by the police in partnership with Trading Standards saw six premises refused the sale and pass the operation for failing to serve the boys.

The Jolly Sailor and The Swan Hotel admitted they served the boys without quizzing them about their age.

And both places will now be subject to further visits by police to obtain advice over the sale of alcohol.

If they fail for a second time, they could face a review and could then possibly lose their licenses.

Sgt Natasha Shaw said: “Selling alcohol to children puts them at risk of harm, both from a health point of view and also because they are more vulnerable when they are drunk.

“It also contributes to subsequent anti-social behaviour and crime on a local level especially that of criminal damage.

“It is reassuring to see that staff in most stores tested on this occasion asked for identification and that sales were refused.

“However, those that did go on to sell alcohol have been fined and the procedures at the establishments will now come under close scrutiny from police.”

Coun Jimmy Eaton, chairman of Rossendale’s Licensing Committee, said: “This operation demonstrates that the majority of licensed premises visited are refusing to serve alcohol to under 18s.

“There can be no excuses for any pubs, clubs or off-licenses to unwittingly sell alcohol to under-18s.”

Both pubs said that staff will receive training to ensure that it doesn't happen again.