TWO businesses in Droitwich Spa have had their alcohol licences removed after being caught selling alcohol and vapes to people underage.
Saver Express in Ombersley Street West and Lakhy News in Stalls Farm Road had their licences taken by Wychavon District Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee at hearings on March 10 and 11.
The move follows investigations carried out by Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team, who applied for the licences to be removed.
They have also issued formal notices against the businesses for selling vapes to people under 18, illegal vapes, and illegal tobacco products.
Test purchases using teenage volunteers were carried out in Droitwich Spa last April and August.
During these visits, staff at Lakhy News were caught on separate occasions selling an alcoholic drink to a 15-year-old and a disposable vape to a 17-year-old. In both cases, staff failed to ask for ID.
Saver Express was also inspected during the operation. Without asking for ID, staff sold a vape to a 17-year-old and an alcoholic beverage to a 15-year-old on separate occasions. A large vape was also sold to an undercover Trading Standards officer which breached UK regulations.
Further quantities of illegal vapes and non-duty paid hand rolling tobacco were also seized. Checks with Worcestershire Regulatory Services also found the new shop owner had not named a new Designated Premises Supervisor as required by the Licensing Act 2003.
In both cases, committee members felt there was enough evidence to prove the business owners had failed to uphold their legal responsibilities, including to prevent crime and protect children from harm.
Councillor Rick Deller, Wychavon’s executive board member for Regulatory Services, said: “Businesses found selling vapes and alcohol to underage customers are not only breaking the law; they’re also betraying the trust of parents and endangering the health of our young people.
“As a parent myself, it infuriates me that some businesses can be so reckless with the next generation.”
During 2024, Trading Standards officers carried out test purchase operations on 21 businesses in Droitwich Spa and Evesham.
In seven cases businesses were found to be selling age-restricted products to someone under 18. Penalties range from formal warnings, fines, licence removal and the forced closure of a business.
