A Maghull off-licence could lose its licence after police allegations that staff sold alcohol to two 14-year-old children

Feb 21 2013 by Andrew Brown, Ormskirk Advertiser

AN OFF-LICENCE faces the prospect of closure after police stings saw two 14 year-old children served booze.

Officers say the lack of care shown by staff at Simply Drinks, on Dover Road in Maghull, has led them to call into question whether they should be allowed to stay open. A review hearing will by held by Sefton Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee at Bootle Town Hall at 10am next Tuesday (February 26), when premises licence holder Ann Baccino will be invited to plead her case.

Sefton Police licensing officer Steven Woods said: “The police in Sefton continually monitor licensed premises and at their discretion carry out test purchase exercises on a routine basis.

“On July 19, 2012 the premises was visited by police as part of a test purchase operation. On conclusion a sale was made to a 14 year-old child. A Fixed Penalty Notice was issued to the seller. A formal police warning notice was issued to Ann Baccino in relation to this matter. On December 13, the premises was again visited by police and a sale was made to a 14 year old child. A further formal police warning notice was issued to Ann Baccino.

“The premises licence holder has failed to promote the licensing objective of the protection of children from harm by a trait of sale to persons under the age of 18 years.”

Simply Drinks is currently allowed to sell alcohol 8am-11pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-10.30pm Sunday.

Options open to the committee include modifying conditions of the licence, or suspending or revoking the licence.