West Watford store's licence decision delayed (From Watford Observer)

Whippendale Food & Wine's licence decision delayed

1:40pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Mike Wright, Chief Reporter

West Watford store's licence decision delayed

A decision over whether a West Watford off-licence can continue to sell booze after police found evidence of it selling to minors and street drinkers, has been delayed.

Watford Borough Council granted an adjournment to Whippendale Food & Wine this morning, rescheduling the hearing until next week.

The shop’s designated premises supervisor, Mounisha Srithas, asked for the adjournment on the grounds she had been in and out of hospital since December and had only appointed a solicitor last week.

The councillors on Watford Borough’s licensing sub committee had been due to review the licence of the shop, in Whippendell Road, this morning.

The hearing had been triggered after police produced evidence the shop had breached its licence just days after having it reinstated in November.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said the shop had failed a number of test purchases by selling booze in single cans to undercover officers and to minors.

Police also said they had evidence the shop was selling super strength alcohol well over the 5.5 per cent stipulated in its licence.

At this morning’s hearing Councillor Jan Brown, the chair of the committee, said: "I have to say I am very reluctant to grant an adjournment as we think there has been ample time between the serving of the papers and for Miss Srithas to get her act together. But we will grant a short adjournment."

The hearing has been moved to Tuesday, March 12.