A PUB which closed after serving alcohol to two 15-year-olds has reopened.

The Railway Hotel, in Chapeltown Road, Bromley Cross, voluntarily closed on Friday night on the advice of police after issues were raised about a test purchase by under-age drinkers.

The test was organised by the police using the 15-year-olds following complaints from members of the public who had claimed that alcohol was being sold to underage youths at various pubs in the area.

Adrian McDermott, the Railway Hotel landlord, was able to open the pub up again yesterday after talks with the police.

Also targeted on Friday night were the Flag Inn, in Arnold Road, and the Dunscar Arms, in Darwen Road, Bromley Cross.

Staff at all three pubs sold a pint of beer and a glass of wine to the boy and girl, who were acting as a couple.

Railway landlord Mr McDermott said he was working with the police to put right the error.

He said: "Mistakes were made and serving alcohol to people who are underage is not something we condone.

"We hold our hands up - we made a mistake on that night."

PC Garry Lee, a police licensing officer, said the pub had signed up to a statement of intent.

He said: "We have spoken to the landlord and he has agreed to address all the issues we have raised with him, including signing up to the ID scheme, Challenge 21.

"We will review the situation in relation to all three pubs in a month."

Pubs that flout the law by selling drink to people under 18 face having their alcohol licences reviewed and revoked.

Inspector Tony Kenyon said that police had acted on specific information from the public.

"When that happens we have to act to reassure the community that we are making sure that pubs and off-licences are being managed properly and are not contributing to anti-social behaviour in the area."

Friday's police operation was carried out between 8.30pm and 10.30pm.

In each instance, the staff member who sold drinks to the teenagers was given an on-the-spot £80 fine by the police.

If police are not happy in one month's time that the pubs are sticking to the terms of the Licensing Act, they can refer the case to Bolton Council's licensing committee which has the power to revoke the licence.