Police have called for the alcohol licence of a shop in Ebbw Vale to be revoked following an 11-month investigation into persistent allegations of underage alcohol sales. Gwent Police and Blaenau Gwent council officers have been probing Bargain Beer on Market Street, where breaches of licence conditions were identified.
Allegations of Underage Sales
Complaints against Bargain Beer include selling alcohol to a 14-year-old child and antisocial behaviour involving 13-year-olds who were seen intoxicated after leaving the premises with cans of alcohol. Earlier this year, another complaint alleged the shop supplied cigarettes and alcohol to minors.
Licensing Hearing Scheduled
On Wednesday, June 17, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's Statutory Licensing sub-committee will examine the premises licences held by Amar Kumar Sharma for Bargain Beer Ltd. Mr Kumar is the sole company director. The review request was submitted by the council's principal licensing enforcement officer, Sarah Burchell, and is backed by PC Jon Taylor, the Police Alcohol Licensing Officer for Gwent Police.
Police Concerns
PC Taylor stated: "Police officers have previously attended the premises alongside Sarah Burchell in response to concerns regarding compliance with licence conditions. During these visits, officers identified breaches of licence conditions. These breaches raise significant concerns regarding the ability of the licence holder and designated premises supervisor (DPS) to uphold the licensing objectives. The ongoing failure to comply with licence conditions demonstrates that the current management is either unwilling or unable to consistently promote the licensing objectives."
He added: "In light of these concerns, Gwent Police respectfully request that the Licensing sub-committee gives serious consideration to modification of the premises licence conditions or removal of the designated premises supervisor. Gwent Police considers that robust and proportionate action is necessary to ensure compliance and uphold the licensing objectives."
Alternative Conditions Proposed
Should the licence not be revoked, Trading Standards officers have compiled a series of conditions to impose, including: CCTV must be operational and maintained in proper working order; staff must receive training in preventing underage sales; and a 'Challenge 25' scheme will be implemented in accordance with age verification requirements. Trading Standards also recommend reducing permitted alcohol sales hours from the current 6am-11pm to 8am-10pm.
