UNDERAGE BOOZE SALE LEADS TO LICENCE LOSS

A CITY off-licence has lost its right to sell alcohol after it was caught selling booze to under 18s.

U Kondzia, a Polish food and drink store in Wheelwright Lane, sold alcohol to a 15-year-old-boy in February.

The area has suffered from anti-social behaviour and nuisance caused by youths – some of whom had been caught drinking.

Coventry Trading Standards carried out test purchase exercises at six stores in the area. U Kondzia was the only one that sold alcohol illegally.

The seller and owner, Piotr Zeno, was called before a licensing committee as it was felt he had not taken sufficient steps to prevent the sale or introduce adequate steps since the sale.

As a result his alcohol licence was revoked.

Councillor David Smith said: “Mr Zeno did not co-operate with the police following the sale and had made no effort to rectify the situation.”

At a separate licensing meeting, a sub-committee heard that the Flying Standard, in Trinity Street, city centre, had also sold booze to teenagers.

A test purchase in September last year saw two bottles of WKD Blue sold to a boy aged 15 and a girl aged 16. A fixed penalty notice was issued to the seller and the premises placed on an action plan.

But in March 2009 a second test purchase was attempted at the pub, which is owned by chain J D Wetherspoons, and two bottles of Budweiser were sold to two boys aged 15.

A further fixed penalty notice was issued to the seller.

The owners were interviewed and a review of the licence was called for.

Councillor Dave Chater, chairman of the licensing sub-committee, said: “We were satisfied that the premises, and in particular the owners, were now taking the matter seriously.

“By imposing the conditions we have, such as requiring them to challenge anyone who appears to be under 25 for identification, it is hoped that no underage sales will occur in the future. If they do, they may well face stronger action.”

If local residents have concerns about a pub or shop they believe may be selling alcohol, cigarettes, fireworks, or any other age-restricted product, they should report their concerns to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.