Underage sales lead to shop alcohol licence review

South Yorkshire Police and public health officials have called for the removal of the alcohol licence for the store

A convenience store that sold alcohol to three underage volunteers who were making test purchases for the council is to have its licence reviewed.

South Yorkshire Police requested the removal of the alcohol licence held by Hepworth Drive Off Licence on Hepworth Drive in Aston, Rotherham.

A report by Rotherham Council officers said the premises failed three test purchases in the space of six months and police raised concerns about licence holder's commitment to the prevention of crime and protection of children.

Hepworth Drive Off Licence Store has been approached for comment.

According to a council report, the failed test purchases followed repeated interventions by the police and council, including an action plan introduced in March which set out specific conditions to address ongoing concerns.

The licence holder, Thomas Mani Palathu Parambil, was informed at that time that failure to implement these measures could result in enforcement action, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Rachel Copley, a council public health practitioner, said in the report: "Failure of multiple test purchases shows a disregard for the protection of children from harm, and this is particularly concerning in an area with high levels of vulnerable children and young people."

Lee Durrant, service and business manager for Rotherham Safeguarding Children Partnership, submitted a statement in support of removing the licence "due to repeated failed test purchases and no evidence of standards improving".

A review hearing will take place on 30 July.

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