Wolverhampton c-store alcohol licence under review over underage sales

A corner shop in Wolverhampton, that was caught selling alcohol to an underage, will have its licence reviewed by council bosses. 

According to local reports, staff at the Premier Convenience Store, also known as Tettenhall Supermarket and Threshers Wine, in Clark Road, Whitmore Reans, were witnessed selling alcohol to underage customers during investigations conducted by Trading Standards.

In a report to the council’s licensing committee, senior Trading Standards officer Nicola Biddle said, “On January 24, 2020, information was received alleging that single cans of alcohol were being sold from the Premier Convenience Store.

“On December 15, 2020, during a Challenge 25 survey, a young looking 22-year-old adult attempted to purchase alcohol from the shop to establish if staff made a point of checking identification when customers are buying age-restricted products such as alcohol. On this occasion the volunteer was not asked their age, to lower the mask they were wearing or to show identification. They were able to purchase a single can of high-strength alcohol, namely Dragon Stout (7.5 percent ABV).

The premise holder was reportedly informed about the outcome of the Challenge 25 survey and was also provided comprehensive advice on how to comply with the laws governing the sale of age-restricted products

“On November 2, 2021, a single can of Stella Artois lager (4.6 percent ABV) was sold to a 16-year-old volunteer on behalf of the council. No attempt was made to ask her age, ask for identification, or to ask the volunteer to lower her face mask to study facial features.

“This volunteer was refused age-restricted products at four other shops that evening. The sale was made by a shop assistant,” said the report. “Officers from Trading Standards and West Midlands Police went into the shop after the sale to discuss what had happened with the sales assistant. It was noted that there was no premises licence or refusals book available to inspect. A trader’s notice was left.”