AN off-licence in Darwen had its licence to sell alcohol suspended for four weeks after failing consecutive under-age test purchases.

Muhammad Shuaib Iqbal, licensee at Lynwood Wines, Blackburn Road, will also be required to adopt a number of measures to prevent future unde-rage sales.

A sub-committee of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s licensing committee made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday night.

Chairman Coun John Wright said: “The committee has decided to suspend the licence for four weeks as a necessary means of promoting the licensing objective of the protection of children from harm.”

Mr Iqbal will also be required to adopt a Challenge 25 scheme, ensure staff are fully trained within eight weeks of employment, ensure CCTV is operational and keep a refusals book that is checked regularly.

During the hearing it was also estabished that Mr Iqbal holds a licence at three other premises, including Manxman Road Convenience Store in Blackburn.

Coun Wright said: “The committee would also suggest that Mr Iqbal seriuosly considers reducing the number of premises at which he is licence-holder.”

Mr Iqbal will have 21 days from the receipt of written confirmation, after which, if no appeal is lodged, the ban will begin.