A Liverpool shop could be stripped of its licence as it faces a city council investigation.
The local authority’s public protection unit has requested a probe be launched into OS Newsagents after concerns were raised about its ability to meet its licensing objectives. A sub-committee hearing scheduled for Thursday January 11 will be convened for councillors to make a decision on any action it may wish to take.
A review of its activity has been requested by the city’s weights and measures team regarding OS Newsagents’ compliance with its obligation to prevent crime and disorder, as well as public nuisance.
READ MORE: The Liverpool Echo Premium app is just £12 for 12 months for a limited time
READ MORE: Will Luke Littler become the youngest ever World Darts Champion?
Currently, the shop – which lists Ranj Ahmed as its designated premises supervisor and premises licence holder – is permitted to sell alcohol from 10am until 11pm for consumption off the site daily. This corresponds with the shop’s opening hours.
In 2018, the store’s owners had requested terms to open and trade from 7am to midnight daily. Its current licence has been in place since June of the same year.
During the consultation period to secure its licence, the premises agreed with Merseyside Police that CCTV must be provided in the form of a recordable system providing clear quality images and in all lighting conditions. Cameras shall encompass all entrances and exits to the premises and all areas where the sale/supply of alcohol occurs.
Approving the licence almost six years ago, Liverpool Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee imposed a condition that it must not sell single cans of lager, beer or cider. A ban has also been in place to prevent sales of anything over 6.5% ABV.
When it meets next week, the three-person sub-committee could modify or suspend the licence and premises supervisor for a period of up to three months. Should it feel necessary, the panel could strike the licence from the record all together, subject to an appeal in the magistrates court within 21 days of a decision being made.
Liverpool Council documents advising the committee said: “Where premises are found to be trading irresponsibly, the Sub-committee should not hesitate, where appropriate to do so, to take tough action to tackle the problems at the premises and, where other measures are deemed insufficient, to revoke the licence.”
The ECHO contacted OS Newsagents for comment.
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here