IN an unusual “sting” operation, Bexley police have used local amateur actors to test whether the borough’s publicans were willing to sell drinks to obviously drunk people.

And the answer was “yes”.

In return for a donation, the actors from local amateur dramatic group, visited 10 pubs across the borough on a Saturday night.

After having whisky tipped down their clothes so they smelled strongly of alcohol, they ordered drinks while behaving as if they were outrageously drunk.

In every case they were served without problem.

Last week, Chief Inspector Steve Murrant, who is in charge of licensing in Bexley, invited licensees to a seminar at Bexley Council’s civic offices, where the actors gave a repeat performance.

More than 100 licensees turned up and when asked if they would serve more alcohol to people in such a state, they said no.

Mr Murrant said: “They thought the actors were very good and very funny, but they were shocked when they realised.”

He added: “A recent survey showed 43 per cent of bar staff are working to a drink sales target, so they are in a difficult position.

“But we made it clear to the licensees there will be no more excuses.

“If they don’t get their staff sorted, I will.

And if that means closure, it means closure.”

Mr Murrant said the seminar ended on a positive note.

He added: “They were not critical of what we did, but they were a bit stunned.”