AN off-licence boss has been banned from selling alcohol after magistrates backed Pendle Council’s decision to revoke its licence.

Zed’s Mini Market, in Colne Road, Brierfield, had its licence suspended in March after it was caught selling booze to under-age teenagers.

Neighbours had also complained about boozy youths hanging around and causing trouble.

Pendle licensing committee imposed a three month suspension initially but licence holder Aqil Khan lodged an appeal.

Magistrates have now dismissed that appeal and Zed’s will not be allowed to sell beer, wine or spirits until nearly Christmas.

The court also ordered that Arshad Javed be removed as the premises supervisors, and that Khan pays £350 court costs.

Licensing chairman Coun Eileen Ansar said: “We have a duty to protect children and young people by ensuring they can’t buy alcohol easily.

“By joint working with the police on test purchase operations, we’re not trying to catch out alcohol retailers.

"It’s about protecting children and young people from abusing alcohol.”

Mick Armfield, licensing enforcement officer, said: “In the case of Zed’s Mini Market, children didn’t have any difficulty in buying alcohol on three separate occasions over a period of 10 months.”

He urged retailers to remain vigilant regarding under-age sales and said they could take advantage of a range of training courses.

People with concerns about off-licences selling to under-age youths can call licensing officials on 01282 661987.