2:03pm Wednesday 4th November 2009
By Jon Livesey
AN OFF-LICENCE in Barnoldswick could face losing its licence after it sold alcohol to teenagers on three occasions.
Happy Shopper in Coates Avenue failed three police test purchase operations over the last 14 months, selling alcohol to child-ren under the age of 18.
Police have now asked for the licence to be reviewed, meaning that the shop could face losing the licence or be restricted to what times it can sell alcohol or could be forced to stop selling alcohol for a three-month period.
Licensing PC Mark Walker said in his application to Pendle Council that the availability of alcohol from the premises was undermining efforts to protect children from harm caused by alcohol.
He said: “Whilst there is little reported anti-social behaviour in the immediate vicinity of the premises, there is a massive problem within Barnoldswick town centre.
The availability of alcohol from the premises clearly contributes to that nuisance and disorder.
“Pendle is ranked within the 50 worst areas in respect of alcohol nuisance leading to crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Several off-licences and stores in Burnley have been the subject of similar action by Pennine police’s provisional divisional licensing officers in recent months.
The shop failed test purchasing operations in August 2008, November 2008 and October 2009.
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