A Huddersfield convenience store that twice sold booze to children under the noses of police has been stripped of its alcohol licence.
Owners of Super Punjab Foodstore in Crosland Moor were summoned to Kirklees Council’s licensing panel but failed to turn up.
Shop boss Osma Tariq had avoided prosecution for a previous infringement only four months ago after agreeing to go on an educational course.
But just a few weeks after attending the session on the laws of selling booze, he stood by and watched his wife sell a large bottle of alcopop to 15-year-old twins.
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The panel of councillors was told by West Yorkshire Police licensing officials that the premises on Nabcroft Rise had a “chequered history” both under the current owners and previous owners.
Police selected the store for their “test purchase” stings after receiving intelligence that it was selling to underage customers.
On December 20, last year, officers sent in 14 and 15-year-old boys who were sold alcohol by Mr Tariq, which was witnessed by a plain-clothed police officer.
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Despite the warning, the shop failed a second test purchase sting by police in February when Mr Tariq’s wife, Razwa Kausa, sold WKD RED to underage teenagers.
No attempt was made to obtain ID and police said Mr Tariq stood by the door smoking as the 15-year-olds entered his shop and left with the alcohol unchallenged.
Members of the council panel, Clrs Ken Smith, Bill Armer and Christine Iredale, agreed it was a “straightforward” decision.
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Chairman, Clr Smith, told officers they had agreed their request to revoke the licence of the store.
The owners are allowed to appeal to Kirklees Magistrates Court.
West Yorkshire Police Licensing officer, Richard Woodhead, said: “We’re really pleased with the panel’s decision.
“Selling alcohol to underage children won’t be tolerated in Kirklees.”
