A PENISTONE shop had has its licence revoked after being caught selling alcohol to underage children.

The licensee of Waddie's on Green Road was stripped of his alcohol licence at a council meeting on Wednesday.

Ian Middleton bought the shop in August last year after it had been closed for several months. A report to the licensing board says Mr Middleton and other members of staff were warned about under age sales.

The report said: "PC Andrew Thompson of the Safer Neighbourhood Team has visited Waddie's on seven separate occasions since August 2007 in relation to the underage sales of alcohol, nuisance youths and damage within close proximity to the shop."

The report also says under 18s were well versed in how to purchase alcohol and will hang around until any other customers left and can be seen checking if the coast is clear. The licensing board was then shown CCTV seized from Waddie's that shows youths inside the shop purchasing alcohol on March 7.

Mr Middleton attended Wednesday's hearing and said sales of alcohol had only been made where proof of age had been provided by the customer. However, in some cases this identification had proved to be false.

Sandra Beever, who lives a few doors away from the shop, said: "If they are selling to underage kids then it has to be taken off them. I have a 17-year-old and 13-year-old but they are quite quiet and aren't into that so it's not a problem for me. But it could be a worry to some parents."

Coun Charlie Wraith, chair of the Licensing Regulatory Board, said the sale of alcohol by licensed premises to underage drinkers would not be tolerated.

“We are deeply concerned about the health impact of alcohol consumption among young people. In addition there are growing concerns nationally in relation to the consumption of alcohol and antisocial behaviour in our communities - there are clear links between the two."

Mr Middleton declined to comment.