Pub licence revoked over sales to children

Last month the Yorkshire Post reported how officers applied to review the licence of Bar Mix in Eldon Street, Barnsley, after breaking up a 16th birthday party at which a large group of teenagers were drinking.

Police stopped the party, which was being held by a Penistone Grammar student in January, after all of the revellers admitted to being 15 or 16 .

At a meeting of Barnsley Council's Statutory Licensing Regulatory Board, members considered the premises licence of Bar Mix.

At the hearing they heard that previous assurances regarding under-age sales had not materialised. This was coupled with four recent separate incidents of under-age sales, which the panel viewed very seriously.

It was decided that Bar Mix's licence should be revoked on the grounds that the panel was not satisfied that the licensing objectives regarding the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm would, or could, be adhered to.

Assistant director for regulatory services Ken Eastwood said: "Central Government recently changed the legislation in respect of under-age sales from three to two sales in a three month period following which a premises can have its licence revoked. The legislation is quite clear that alcohol must not be sold to persons under 18.

"Not only does this have serious health implications for the teenagers consuming the alcohol, but can also result in them putting themselves and others at serious risk of harm. Anyone selling alcohol must use a proof of age scheme to ensure that they comply with the legislation."

The revocation will come into force at the expiry of a 21-day appeal period.