A STORE in Grimsby's West Marsh could have its licence revoked after allegations that the owner sold cigarettes and alcohol to under 18s from private living quarters.
Paramjit Bassi, of Sanco Traders, in Macaulay Street, is due before a North East Lincolnshire Council Licensing Sub-Committee hearing later this month with Humberside Police seeking either the revocation of the premise's licence or the removal of Ms Bassi as designated premises supervisor.
Public papers released ahead of the hearing said the review was being held following a meeting between police and Ms Bassi in July – with changes having apparently not been implemented.
According to the papers, during an interview with police, Ms Bassi was shown CCTV footage in which she identified two people by name and confirmed them as being under 18. The footage showed separate sales to the two people of cigarettes and alcohol, and alcohol only.
Police said Ms Bassi was in the process of being given cautions with conditions for selling twice to underage persons.
A letter sent to the owner by police said: "These complaints primarily relate to cigarettes and alcohol being sold to minors that you, allegedly, know to be underage. These sales are not made on the shop floor, but allegedly in the private living quarters of the premises."
The letter added that police have had complaints from parents of children claiming to have bought single cigarettes.
The letter said: "It has also been claimed that you give credit to underage children and once the child has failed to pay the debt you make contact with the parents demanding payment of any debts that the child has accumulated."
Police also allege that children are allowed to surf the internet from behind the main counter, though Ms Bassi apparently told officers she wanted to help disadvantaged local children to become "better citizens by way of engagement".
A comprehensive review of the procedures was called for in July which included:
A shop closure at 8pm (which Ms Bassi has implemented on a voluntary basis).
Home Office approved CCTV.
No credit under any circumstances and signage stating so.
A Challenge 25 refusal policy.
No sales of alcohol or cigarettes once the premises have closed after 8pm.
The recommendations have been deemed by police not to have been carried out, hence the licensing review being carried out.
The Grimsby Telegraph was unable to reach the store for a comment.
