A CONVENIENCE store which sold alcohol to underage children under previous ownership has been awarded a premises licence, allowing it to sell alcohol again.

Burnley Council's licensing committee accepted a proposal to grant Burnley's Sycamore Convenience Store, in Anglesey Avenue, a new premises licence after ownership of the store changed hands recently.

The decision comes just three months after the previous licence-holder, Humera Zafar, surrendered the licence following allegations he had been selling alcohol and tobacco to under-18s.

In one reported incident, a 14-year-old girl was admitted into Royal Blackburn Hospital after consuming a £13 bottle of vodka bought from the off-licence in October 2016, police confirmed.

Lancashire Trading Standards, who had previously investigated the long history of 'illegal activity' at the store, submitted a written letter of objection to the council following the recent premises licence application in April.

Officer Rick Wilson, of Trading Standards, raised concerns the previous owners still had 'significant' day to day control of the business and that Mr Edwards was not able to provide suitable evidence that he was the new owner of the business.

Despite the concerns, committee members awarded the premises licence to the store's new owner Anthony Edwards.

This means the sale of alcohol will now be permitted on the premises seven days a week, from 7am to 9pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 9pm on Saturday to Sunday.

However licensing committee bosses have said the previous owners Humera Zafar, and his partner Maryam Mursaleen, will not be allowed to set foot on the premises or have any involvement in the business.

In addition, all staff working at the store and serving alcohol will need to complete training every six months regarding Challenge 25.

The conditions have been put in place by the licensing authority to promote the 'prevention of crime and disorder' and 'protection of children from harm' with regard to the licensing objectives.