A Canterbury convenience store has been stripped of its alcohol license after selling spirits to underage teenagers, leading to one girl requiring emergency medical treatment. The incident, which occurred on December 20, 2024, saw Kent Police responding to concerned parents after two teenage girls were reportedly served alcohol at the Convenience Store on Canterbury Lane.
Police investigations, including a review of CCTV footage, revealed that two girls, aged 13 and 15, were sold high-strength alcoholic beverages, including vodka with a 37.5% alcohol by volume. Notably, staff failed to request identification or challenge the underage sales, a clear breach of UK licensing laws.
One of the girls became severely intoxicated, necessitating paramedic intervention. Evidence presented by Kent Police and Kent County Council’s Trading Standards to Canterbury City Council’s Licensing Committee on February 27, 2025, detailed the illegal sales and their consequences.
The licensing committee subsequently revoked the store’s license, effectively banning the sale of alcohol and other age-restricted products. The decision is subject to appeal.
District Commander for Canterbury, Chief Inspector Paul Stoner said:
‘It is the responsibility of the licence holder and retail staff to challenge customers who look under 25, and to ask them to provide ID to verify their age, if they are buying age-restricted goods like alcohol.
‘The purpose is to ensure that children are protected from harm and to reduce underage drinking.
‘In this case the shop failed in their duties as a licensed business, and that is why officers worked with partners to ensure evidence was brought forward to the licensing committee.’
Principal Trading Standards Officer Oliver Jewell at Kent County Council said:
‘Trading Standards had fully supported the application from Kent Police following a joint visit to the shop after the incident.
‘Having considered all the circumstances, it was believed this was not just an accidental sale but a result of negligence from the licence holder in applying the measures necessary to protect children.’
To report concerns about the sale of any age restricted products to young people, residents are urged to report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.