A licensee in Abbots Langley faces prosecution after being caught selling alcohol to customers under 18.

The premises was caught out in a recent Hertfordshire Trading Standards' undercover operation, and was the only one in Watford found breaking the law.

None of the remaining seven shops involved in the test purchasing exercise - five in Watford Borough and two in Three Rivers - sold alcohol to a 16-year-old volunteer posing as a underage customer.

County Councillor Richard Smith, Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "While it is pleasing to find that the majority of shopkeepers are adopting a Challenge 21 policy, it is unfortunate to see the message still has not got home to some.

”We are not prepared to tolerate underage sales of alcohol and are actively pursuing shopkeepers who illegally sell age-restricted goods.

"We hope that offending shopkeepers will think more carefully before they sell young people alcohol, because they could have their licences reviewed and possibly revoked.”

Trading Standards asks that all licensed premises adopt the Challenge 21 policy, where customers who appear to be under the age of 21 are asked for proof of age.

Acceptable forms of identification are PASS-approved ID cards, photo driving licences or passports.

Jeffrey Leib, Licensing Manager at Watford Borough Council, said: "The licensing team at the council has worked hard to ensure that local off-licence owners have the support and assistance they need.

"We invited all off-licences in Watford along to a free business seminar in August of this year, where we launched the Challenge 21 scheme. We have also set up regular Off-Watch meetings where we offer training, advice and practical assistance to prevent illegal alcohol sales from taking place."

Sgt Ian Smith, of Watford Community Safety Unit, added: "Underage sales of alcohol have consequences far beyond the actual sale, so therefore we take these issues very seriously. While I am pleased that the majority of the venues tested this time did not sell, the message has clearly not yet reached all licensees."

Members of the public can report shops which are selling alcohol to underage customers on 08454 040506.

Businesses requiring further information on complying with Trading Standards legislation should call 01727 813849.