Greenwoods, located on Seymour Street in Chorley, recently faced a setback as it failed two “test purchases” conducted by trading standards earlier this summer. This off licence and general store encountered its first incident on 17 May, when 13 and 15-year-old youths successfully purchased a trimming knife from shop owner Paviter Singh – who also serves as the designated premises supervisor for the business. Subsequently, on 2 June, an employee of Singh allowed a 17-year-old boy, along with a 16-year-old girl, to purchase four bottles of Stella lager.
The aftermath of these unlawful sales led to an immediate confrontation with the trading standards officers, whereby the retail worker called his boss from the back of the shop, exclaiming: “I’ve done what you did.”. This incident concerned Lancashire Police, who expressed “grave concerns” over the store’s management. To address these concerns, the licensing panel of Chorley Council held a meeting and decided to suspend the premises license for a period of six weeks. Consequently, during this duration, Greenwoods will be unable to sell alcohol.
Furthermore, the business will be subject to a series of conditions requested by the police. These conditions include the implementation of a Challenge 25 policy, wherein individuals appearing to be below the age of 25 will be required to provide identification when purchasing age-restricted products.
In summary, Greenwoods on Seymour Street in Chorley faced consequences due to two unlawful sales. The premises license has been suspended for six weeks, and the business must adhere to various conditions to address the concerns raised by Lancashire Police.
