A VILLAGE store has kept its off-licence after agreeing to measures to stop under-age drinking.

The Tanhills Post Office Premioer Store in Kimblesworth Road, Tanhills, near Chester-le-Street, failed two test purchase operations run by police last year when it was caught selling drink to under-18s.

Police applied to Durham County Council for a review of its licence, which could have led to the licence being revoked.

Shopkeeper Pardip Sidhu apologized to the statutory licensing sub-committee and said it would not happen again.

He said: “It’s not worth it to us to sell the drink to the wrong people, I would rather leave it on the shelf.”

Mr Sidhu was issued with two £80 fixed penalty notices following the breaches.

Since then he has worked on a new staff training programme.

Committee chairman John Shiell said: “Underage sales of drink are a serious matter because of their links to anti-social behaviour and the health of children.

“The committee feels Mr Sidhu recognises this and has taken steps to remedy the situation.

“We also note Durham Police are not asking for this licence to be revoked.”

The committee imposed new conditions on the licence relating to staff training, challenging customers who look under 18, and recording children’s attempts to buy alcohol.