HERE'S what stores who failed our test had to say.

Noble Wines, Grosvenor Road

"I would guess we considered him to look the appropriate age. We have got an over-25 check policy so that we do tend to ask anybody we think doesn't look their age." – duty manager John Alcock

Grove Hill Stores, Grove Hill Road

"We have a very stringent policy here and, if whoever is serving has any doubt in their mind that a customer doesn't look 18, we always ask for ID. If 75 per cent of shops served him then he must look older than 17." – owner Sanjay Masrani

Five Reasons Wine, Vale Road

No comment.

Sainsbury's garage, Linden Park Road

"As a responsible retailer we take underage sales very seriously. All colleagues are trained in our Think 25 policy to question anyone who looks under the age of 25 and request ID. More training will be given to ensure it doesn't happen again." – spokesman Cheryl Kuczynski

The Secret Cellar, Church Road

"All my staff are fully trained to check but it's not something we usually have a problem with. It is not really a shop that appeals to underage drinkers because we don't sell alcopops or beer, only fine wines. We have a Challenge 25 policy and observe common sense, courtesy and due diligence at all times. I know that we are doing everything right and I know none of my staff would want to do anything untoward." – manager David Hemsley

Marks & Spencer, Calverley Road

"Our policy is anyone who looks under 25 is asked for ID. In this instance, it is clear it wasn't followed and, although this is rare exception, we are already working with the store to reinforce the importance of the Challenge 25 rule." – company spokesperson

Wine Rack, Calverley Road

"We are concerned and disappointed that, in this case, it appears that the Challenge 25 policy was not adhered to and we have launched an internal investigation into this matter." – company spokesperson

Iceland, Calverley Road

"All Iceland stores operate a Challenge 25 policy to help manage the problem of underage drinking. We take this matter very seriously and we will carry out a full investigation to see why this happened." – spokesman Tania Barry

The Bitter End, Camden Road

"I slipped up. Maybe I thought he looked over 18. I'm a fairly good judge of what goes for over-age but maybe I miscalculated. I apologise and we'll tighten our observation." – manager Chris Richardson