More than 400 litres of booze has been seized from off-licences in a crackdown on alcohol sales in the Towns.

Warnings have been issued to a number of restaurants, take-aways and off-licences.

It follows an operation led by Medway Council’s licensing team working with police, customs, environmental food safety and enforcement teams.

A number of businesses could be facing prosecution.

Twenty premises in River ward in Chatham were found in breach of licensing conditions – mainly not having a policy in place to prevent sales of alcohol to under age drinkers and not carrying out sufficient staff training.

Some of the restaurants were in breach of the rules on drinking measures and were providing customers with unmeasured wine.

Five premises were found to have poor hygiene standards in their kitchens and one was issued with a prohibition notice because the electricity supply was found to be in a dangerous condition.

Customs also seized more than 400 litres of alcohol from two off-licences.

None of the businesses have been named by the council because some could be facing legal action.

Cllr Peter Hicks, in charge of community safety, said: “These operations help to protect Medway residents and ensure that restaurants, pubs and off licences remain safe and pleasant environments.”

“This operation is part of continued efforts by the council and our partners to ensure all premises abide by the rules.”