Police cadets tried to buy alcohol at eight Cheltenham retailers on 31 October and all refused, including four that failed in August. Updated November 2026.

All eight Cheltenham retailers tested on Saturday 31 October refused to sell alcohol to an underage police cadet, and four of them had failed the same kind of test in August.

Each business asked for proof of age and turned the sale down, Cheltenham Borough Council said. Its licensing team ran the operation in the town centre with Gloucestershire Constabulary. The four repeat visits followed a failed operation on 22 August. The council does not name any of the premises in its announcement.

How the test works

Police cadets make the attempted purchases, with plain clothes officers alongside watching each transaction. The council says the tester carries no identification and does not misrepresent their age, which keeps the process within legal standards.

The operation supports the Licensing Act 2003 objective of protecting children from harm.

What the council and police said

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, the council’s cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “Working with Gloucestershire Police, we regularly carry out test purchase operations to help ensure businesses are operating responsibly and meeting their legal responsibilities.

“It is encouraging to see all eight businesses refusing the sale of alcohol to an underage customer during this operation, especially since several had failed in a similar operation in August. We appreciate them taking prompt steps to strengthen their procedures.

“I would also like to thank the police cadets who supported the operation. Their contribution is invaluable in helping our licensing officers and Gloucestershire Constabulary carry out this important work, helping to promote responsible retailing and protecting young people within the community.”

PC Walter, of the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury licensing team, said the four premises had improved after police spoke to them:

“We regularly carry out joint operations with our partner agencies to ensure licensed premises are operating responsibly.

“I am pleased to hear that all of the businesses passed the operation, and even more so after four failed previously.

“It is encouraging to see that those premises have demonstrated improved compliance following the feedback and meetings we had with them.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to our police cadets as these operations wouldn’t be possible without them and their willingness to be involved.

“Their support was greatly appreciated and contributed significantly to the success of the operation.”

What it means for you

If you sell alcohol, the council’s reminder is that selling it to anyone under 18 is a criminal offence. It can lead to enforcement action, including fines, prosecution and a review of the premises licence.

If you are buying, expect to be asked. The Challenge 25 poster the council sent with its announcement says anyone who looks under 25 will be asked to prove they are 18 or over, and that under-18s commit an offence by trying to buy alcohol.