A POPULAR late night bar in Swansea has closed down following a police and trading standards test purchase "sting" there.

So Bar in busy Wind Street, surrendered its licence on Monday rather than face prosecution for sales of alcohol to under age persons, or a review of its licence.

It was one of several Wind Street premises visited by under age volunteers with undercover police and trading standards officers in a joint operation on two dates in February this year.

Staff at the premises, allowed entry to the 16-year-old volunteers and sold them alcoholic drinks without checking their age or identification.

The operation was headed by Acting Sergeant Jason Herbert as part of the ongoing Operation Nemesis, which sees officers of the local authority working with the police to tackle late night issues in the city.

Acting Sergeant Herbert said: "We expect high standards from management and staff of licensed premises, especially when it comes to young persons gaining access to alcohol.

"Young persons drinking in the city centre often become involved in offences or become victims of crime themselves and test purchasing is an important tool in addressing this".

So Bar was one of several premises visited, some of which also sold alcohol to the youngsters.

Prosecution action and potential applications for reviews of licences have not been ruled out at this stage, according to the police.

Inspector Cath Larkman, said: "We are working closely with our partners in the Trading Standards Department to address issues of personal responsibility by young persons and their parents.

"We have also been working with members of the city centre Pub and Clubwatch to raise awareness and improve ID checking systems."

"There are many premises and staff, both at the door of premises and at the bar, who have really stepped up to the challenge and are proactively checking ID and challenging people they suspect are under age.

"However, we will not hesitate to ensure that those premises who are not upholding the same standards are identified and that action is taken. Further operations will be taking place".

None of the other premises concerned has so far been named due to the ongoing investigation.