Shirebrook shop has its licence axed

Sanjay Selvam (23) of Roses Main Stop, in Main Road, Shirebrook, had his premises licence removed after two sales of alcohol were made to underage volunteers during a joint Derbyshire County Council and police investigation on 30th November 2013.

The decision was made at a hearing held by Bolsover District Council following a recommendation by the council’s trading standards team and means Selvam will no longer be legally allowed to sell any alcohol products in his store.

Coun Dave Allen, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for health andcommunities, said: “The outcome of this review sends out a clear message to retailers that they must trade within the law or face the consequences.

“We work very hard to support law-abiding traders and to keep members of the public safe and this kind of sales activity will not be tolerated.

“It’s not worth retailers risking an underage sale because it could lead to the loss of their licence – either temporarily or permanently as in this case.

“This trader will no longer legally be allowed to sell alcohol, which I imagine will have a significant impact on his business. The risks are just not worth it.”

Following an underage sale from the shop in April 2012 Selvam was offered an action plan to improve checks on young customers and apply a ‘Challenge 25’ policy, but when trading standards officers tested this in August 2013, alcohol was sold to an 18-year-old volunteer without being asked for ID.