A SHOP which sold alcohol to an underage drinker could lose its licence.

Trading Standards officials have called for a review of the off-licence at Orchard End, Rossmere Way, in Hartlepool, following a test purchasing exercise.

Owner Rebecca Plant told The Northern Echo yesterday how she has since introduced guidelines for staff to follow when serving young adults.

A report to Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing sub-committee states that in July last year, two 15-year-old volunteers were supervised by a trading standards team as they tried to buy alcohol.

Senior officer Brian Dinning said in the report: "The children entered this premises during the evening of July 28 and purchased alcoholic beverages.

"I witnessed the children purchase the alcohol. Proof of age was not requested by the assistant, Alison Orley."

On March 12, Orley was fined £250 and ordered to pay £359.80 costs in her absence.

Owner Ms Plant said: "She had only been working at the shop for a week when it happened.

"I was not there at the time, but she said the shop was busy and that the girls looked over 18.

"But in hindsight, that's no excuse.

"All my staff are reminded frequently to ask for identification, and nothing like this has happened before."

Ms Plant told how, as a result, she has drawn up guidelines for members of staff to read and sign to confirm they understand them.

Ann McMorris, head of the council's safeguarding and review unit - the council body responsible for matters relating to the protection of children - wrote: "The implications of supplying alcohol to a minor places the child at risk, both in terms of their health and personal safety. Alcohol can have a serious impact on anti-social behaviour in an area and be a nuisance to residents."

Ms Plant declined an invitation to be interviewed under caution but, through her solicitor, did answer questions by way of correspondence.

The review hearing will be heard at the Belle Vue Community Centre, Kendal Road, Hartlepool, at 2pm on May 9.