TWO shop workers have been fined after being caught out by a sting on selling booze to under-18s.

Police and trading standards officers teamed up for a joint operation, which saw under-18s sent into shops to try to buy alcohol.

In total, 20 tests were carried out and, while 18 servers asked for ID and refused a sale, two assistants handed over the drink without question.

The pair who sold the booze were each handed an £80 fine, while the two stores are now under investigation by North Lincolnshire Council's Trading Standards department.

Malcolm Osborne, trading standards manager, said: "They are being investigated to find out why the sales occurred and look at what steps the owners of the businesses have in place to prevent it.

"It doesn't stop when we hand out the fines, we'll look at issues like staff training, if it was an accident, whether assistant ignored training.

"Then we decide whether we need to take any further action against the premises."

The council officials were joined by police, who took part in the operation under the Respect project, which is dedicated to curbing antisocial behaviour.

Sergeant James Main, lead officer on Respect, said: "This shows the importance that shops place on not selling to young people – it is pleasing to see the very low number of failures.

"This operation is extremely worthwhile and fits perfectly into the Respect agenda and shows the excellent partnership working that has been developed across North Lincolnshire with public services.

"It also serves as a warning that off-licences that are caught selling to children can face harsh penalties, which could, in the long run, include losing their licence."

Sergeant Main also issued a reminder that nightly Respect patrols are continuing throughout the school holidays.