SHOPS in Hampshire face fines after failing an alcohol test operation carried out by police.

Hampshire Constabulary sent a 15-year-old and 17-year-old into 12 premises in Fareham and Gosport to try and buy alcohol in a campaign carried out to coincide with exam results week.

Nine of the shops passed the test but the three that failed may face a £90 fine and will be the subject of a future test purchase operation within three months.

The three shops that failed in Fareham were the Oasis off licence on West Street, the McColl's on Broadlaw Walk, and the Co-op on Rowner Road.

PC Jason Pierce, who worked on the licensing team, said: "Many teenagers have little adult supervision during the holidays and it could be easy for them to unintentionally become involved in activities that could cause distress or annoyance to someone else.

"Officers are carrying out targeted patrols to combat antisocial behaviour in Fareham and Gosport - this can be linked to underage alcohol sales which can exacerbate the problem.

"We will be confiscating alcohol from children and working with licensees to ensure that young people cannot buy alcoholic drinks."

The operation was carried out on Tuesday, August 11.