Wolverhampton off-licence where staff sold cider to 14-year-old is facing suspension

Wood End Wines in Wednesfield could have its licence suspended by Wolverhampton Council after a member of staff was caught selling cider to the child in an undercover sting last November.

Wolverhampton Trading Standards said the child was able to buy the alcohol unchallenged.

The council said it had “serious concerns” that Wood End Wines owner and licence holder Lavinder Pal Banga was not upholding the licensing objectives and “putting the public at risk.”

Wood End Wines was among several businesses inspected across Wolverhampton on the same day last year to make sure they were carrying out age checks on restricted products, the council said.

The council said the 14-year-old volunteer, who had been refused in other shops earlier in the day, was able to buy a four-pack of strawberry Strongbow cider – with the sale witnessed by council and Trading Standards staff.

The council said this breached the key licensing rules designed to protect children from harm and prevent crime and disorder.

The early recommendation from Trading Standards called for Wood End Wines' licence to be suspended by councillors for up to three months.

The off-licence has since signed an agreement with Trading Standards, Public Health and West Midlands Police over suspending the licence for a week to allow for training – a move that had “allayed previous fears and concerns” and might have prevented the hearing from going ahead.

However, Wolverhampton Council’s licensing department has stood firm and said it will not withdraw its objection – saying the hearing should still be held.

The licensing committee will meet at the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton on Friday (January 24).