Six public houses in South Derbyshire have been issued with warnings by the District Council’s licensing team after allowing underage individuals to play gaming machines on their premises.

A partnership initiative involving South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) and Derbyshire Police saw 16-year-old Police Cadets enter pubs in three different locations.

They proceeded to play category C gaming machines with a jackpot of £100 to see if they were challenged. It is an offence for an under-18 year-old to play a category C machine.

The young people involved, who were accompanied by Cadet Leaders, were not challenged in any of the pubs concerned and staff at one even overrode the computer age identification system to allow them to play.

Following the test purchase exercise, SDDC’s Senior Licensing Officer visited each of the premises to notify them of the outcome. Advice and guidance were provided, and a warning letter issued to each.

The warning reminded the premises that they could potentially lose their entitlement to provide gaming machines if they fail on any future test purchases.

The results of the tests have been reported to the Gambling Commission and the Council’s Licensing team said they hope this acts as a reminder to all pubs, to ensure they do not permit under-18-year-olds to play these machines.