Kwiki-Mart faces licence review after selling alcohol to children

A Portsmouth convenience shop could lose its licence after it was found to be selling alcohol to children during a half-term sting operation.

Portsmouth City Council’s licensing sub-committee will decide whether to revoke, suspend or amend the premises licence for the Kwiki Mart at 126 Fawcett Road.

The convenience store has been called before the committee due to “significant concerns” following a failed test purchase.

On May 28, PC Andrew Buchanan, of Hampshire Constabulary, carried out a test purchase operation at the shop.

He entered the store before two young people, who selected alcoholic drinks. In his report, he said the shop worker “looked at both young persons and then rung up the amount on the till and at no time asked them for ID or even how old they were.

“He took the money and gave them the change, and they walked out of the shop. I completed my purchase and walked out and updated my colleague what had happened.”

PC Buchanan added that although there was a ‘Challenge 25’ poster displayed, the young people “did not look anywhere near 25”.

In a submission on behalf of the Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Ben Lewington argued the store “undermines” the Licensing Act 2003.

Referring to the failed test purchase, he said: “This shows that staff at the venue have failed in their due diligence to ensure that correct age verification and staff training is being followed, also it shows a lack of due diligence on the responsible person (DPS) of the venue to ensure that such measures are being implemented by staff.

“At this time the police are of the opinion the venue has failed to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, and protect children from harm licensing objectives.

“Failing to promote the protection of children from harm has wider consequences, this puts children in a vulnerable position that exposes them to being both victims and suspects of potential crimes, coercion and exploitation. This are serious failings and the guidance makes reference that revocation should be considered.”

The sub-committee is due to meet on July 13. More information can be found on the meeting agenda here.

The owner of the shop was approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service but declined to comment.