Off-licence caught selling alcohol to 14- year-old

An off-licence is to face disciplinary action after being caught selling cans of cider to a 14-year-old.

Wood End Wines in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, could have its licence suspended by City of Wolverhampton Council after selling cider to the child in an undercover sting in November.

Wolverhampton Trading Standards said the child was able to buy the alcohol unchallenged during a day of checks on businesses in the city.

The council's licensing committee will meet at the Civic Centre on 24 January.

The authority said it had "serious concerns" that the store and licence holder Lavinder Pal Banga was not upholding the licensing objectives and "putting the public at risk".

The shop was tested along with several others in the city on the same day.

The teenager was refused in other shops but was able to buy a four-pack of strawberry Strongbow cider, a sale witnessed by council and Trading Standards staff.

The council said this breached licensing rules designed to protect children from harm and those preventing crime and disorder.

Trading Standards recommended Wood End Wines' licence be suspended by councillors by up to three months.

The off-licence has since signed an agreement with Trading Standards, Public Health and West Midlands Police to complete training.

However, the council's licensing department said it would not withdraw its objection, adding that the hearing should still be held later this month.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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