Middleton Cheney convenience store has licence revoked

A convenience store in Middleton Cheney has had its licence revoked after it repeatedly served alcohol to children as young as 12.

Sanderz Convenience Store in Main Road was subject to a licensing hearing at the end of June following a review instigated by Northamptonshire Police’s Licensing Team and supported by the South Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team, after it was found to repeatedly be serving alcohol, including hard liquor, to underage customers.

Members heard evidence from multiple people including a parent of a girl who the store began serving alcohol to at the age of 12.

They also heard from a girl who was served alcohol and on one occasion became so drunk afterwards she became “convinced she was going to die.”

One child was hospitalised as a result of being so drunk.

Licensing Sergeant Simon Moreton said: “I have been taken aback by the irresponsibility shown by the licence holder in this case.

“Selling low-strength alcohol to those on the cusp of 18 is bad enough, but selling bottles of spirit to children as young as 12 is unforgivable.

“Age restrictions are put in place for a reason and this store has shown a complete disregard not only for the conditions of its licence, but for its duty of care to underage customers.

“I am pleased to see the licence in this case revoked and I want to reassure the public that we will continue doing everything we can, alongside our partners, to appropriately deal with similar licence breaches in the future and protect children as a result.”

The store now has 21 days in which to lodge an appeal against the decision with the Magistrates’ Court.