THREE pubs have been fined in a pre-Christmas crackdown on under age drinking across Fareham borough.

It follows an alcohol testing purchasing operation by police on 11 pubs.

Of these, eight successfully passed with no juveniles being served, but three failed the test.

The Ferryman, in Warsash Road, Warsash, The Cuckoo Pint in Cuckoo Lane, Stubbington and The Portsdown Inn in Leith Avenue, Portchester, all served juvenile test purchasers and were each issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice.

The designated premises supervisor for the pubs will be meeting with officers to discuss the situation.

Sergeant Roy Jennings said: "I'm disappointed that we have had three failures in the test purchase operation as we have been working with licensees to crackdown on underage drinking; and especially because the 'Challenge 21' posters were clearly on display in the pubs.

"However I am pleased that eight of the pubs tested passed, which indicates the majority are acting in a responsible and lawful manner.

"Furthermore, a lot of the Fareham town centre pubs had door staff that asked for ID and would not allow the juveniles to enter the pubs, which is very encouraging.

"We will continue to monitor and test premises in order to tackle underage drinking and the anti-social behaviour that it can fuel.

" If any premises fail repeatedly, the police may ask the licensing panel to review the licence, which could result in the pub being closed."