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20 underage drinkers found in pub during PSNI operation

The discovery was made last month as part of a policing operation tackling unlicensed door staff
The discovery was made last month as part of a policing operation tackling unlicensed door staff The discovery was made last month as part of a policing operation tackling unlicensed door staff

POLICE officers discovered 20 underage drinkers in a pub in Newry and Mourne during an operation targeting unlicensed door staff.

The licensee was cautioned for allowing minors inside licensed premises and the young people's parents were spoken to.

More than 100 premises and nearly 200 licences were checked across the north last month during 'Operation Noomin', which was aimed at ensuring door staff are properly trained and licensed.

The joint operation between the PSNI, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Crimestoppers ran on August 17-20 and August 24-27.

Four people were found without a valid licence. One received an SIA warning, while the others are being reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

In one instance, police officers checked 32 door staff at a single location.

PSNI detective superintendent Bobby Singleton said: "While Operation Noomin was specifically conducted over two August weekends, we will continue to conduct random checks.

"Offenders who are caught will be dealt with robustly by the PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service.

"If convicted, offenders can receive up to six months imprisonment and a £5,000 fine."