ONLY in England. Our antiquated licensing laws forbid shops from selling refreshments to on-duty police officers.

So when Della Cannings tried to buy a bottle of wine Tesco staff refused to serve her.

North Yorkshire's Chief Constable is known for her quick reactions, however, and removed her hat and epaulettes to make the purchase.

Licensing reform is urgently needed before senior police officers are reduced to hanging around outside off licences, asking other customers to get them a nice Chardonnay for the weekend.

Updated: 10:06 Friday, March 26, 2004