A SHOP in Dovercourt has lost its licence to sell alcohol after underage drinkers were allowed to make illegal purchases of spirits and lager.

The licence for Mahesh Mistry for Cheers in Parkeston Road has been revoked by Tendring District Council’s licensing sub-committee - although he says he will appeal the decision.

Members were told at a meeting on Thursday that Essex Police had received numerous pieces of intelligence that alcohol was being sold to peopleunder age.

A concerned parent, who is also a serving sergeant with the Metropolitan Police, reported that his 13-year-old daughter got drunk on vodka bought by a 13-year-old male friend from Cheers.

A council spokesman said: “As intelligence was gathered and passed to Trading Standards three test purchasing operations were put in place.

“On each occasion no sale was made to the test purchaser although it was evident, through intelligence, that sales of age restricted goods to under age persons were still taking place.

“Direct observation was set up on the premises by Trading Standards and Essex Police which resulted in evidence of underage sales.

“The first involved the sale of Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort to two 16-year-olds and the second involved the sale of lager again to a 16-year-old.”

Members listened to the evidence given by Essex Police, officers from Essex Trading Standards and the premises licence holder, Mr Mistry, and his solicitor David Davies.

The committee decided that, due to the seriousness of the case, the only option was to revoke the licence to sell alcohol.

It was the first time that a formal review, which had been asked for by Essex Police, had been requested for these particular premises.

Any appeal against the sub-committees’ decision has to be made to the magistrates’ court within 21 days of Mr Mistry being notified by the council.

Mr Mistry said: “In my opinion the licence review hearing was not fair and objective and the decision was largely based on hearsay. I will be appealing.

“Since the incident I have taken many steps to make sure it will not be repeated.”