Dudley store could lose licence after illegal worker caught selling booze to minor

A Dudley off-licence could be banned from selling alcohol after its staff was caught selling booze to a 16-year-old, stated recent reports. 

According to local reports, Dhanda Off Licence & Convenience Store in Stourbridge is also being accused of hiring illegal workers. In a double swoop, a worker was caught red-handed after licensing officers sent a 16-year-old volunteer into the shop to try and purchase alcohol. 

After paying £5.95 for a pack of Strongbow without being asked for identification, officers entered the shop and challenged the member of staff. Following a discussion they realised that the staff member was working illegally. 

He was later served with a Civil Penalty Referral Notice despite claiming that “he was not working at the shop but covering for the owner.”  

Licensing officer Nick Slym said that the illegal worker had been working at the shop for a “few months” and planned to continue working there for the foreseeable future.” 

Slym also stated that the owner failed to provide receipts and invoices for purchases despite multiple visits from licensing officers. The owner of the shop has now been hauled before a Dudley Council Licensing Committee and could be banned from selling alcohol. In a statement, West Midlands Police say they “wish to support the review of the premises licence.” 

“Following the sale of alcohol to a 16-year-old child volunteer and the employing of a member of staff, who was the seller at the time, in breach of the conditions set out in their right to work Visa, whilst residing in the UK, West Midlands Police wishes to support the review of the premises licence. 

“Employers can check their employees have the correct right to work and ensure their documents are valid. This clearly has not been done. 

“Lastly, the sale of alcohol to a child is in direct contravention of the licensing objectives and therefore we fully support Trading Standards recommendations for additional conditions to be placed upon their licence.”