Canterbury shop has licence revoked

A shop in Canterbury has had its licence revoked after selling alcohol to underage teenagers.

On the afternoon of 20 December 2024, Kent Police officers were flagged down by a parent concerned about two teenage girls after they were served alcohol from the Convenience Store in Canterbury Lane.

One of the girls required medical treatment by paramedics as a result of being intoxicated.

Enquiries

Officers reviewed CCTV footage at the shop and confirmed that two sales had taken place where two girls aged 13 and a 15 year old girl had bought spirits and cocktails including vodka with an ABV of 37.5 per cent.

Staff did not challenge them when selling the alcohol, despite laws preventing the sales to anyone under the age of 18.

Evidence brought by Kent Police and Kent County Council's Trading Standards team was heard by Canterbury City Council's Licensing Committee on Thursday 27 February 2025.

Decision

The committee decided to revoke the licence, pending the right to appeal, meaning the shop will no longer be able to sell alcohol and age-restricted products.

District Commander for Canterbury, Chief Inspector Paul Stoner said:

'It is the responsibility of the licence holder and retail staff to challenge customers who look under 25, and to ask them to provide ID to verify their age, if they are buying age-restricted goods like alcohol. 'The purpose is to ensure that children are protected from harm and to reduce underage drinking. 'In this case the shop failed in their duties as a licensed business, and that is why officers worked with partners to ensure evidence was brought forward to the licensing committee.'

Principal Trading Standards Officer Oliver Jewell at Kent County Council said:

'Trading Standards had fully supported the application from Kent Police following a joint visit to the shop after the incident. 'Having considered all the circumstances, it was believed this was not just an accidental sale but a result of negligence from the licence holder in applying the measures necessary to protect children. 'To report concerns about the sale of any age restricted products to young people, residents are urged to report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.'