Friargate is seen as the second street of the city by many after Fishergate

A Preston newsagent will have its licence reviewed this week by councillors.

Lancashire Police have requested a review of Best One and its sale of alcohol after alleging a number of alcohol sales were made to children.

The off-licence, on Friargate, is currently allowed to sell alcohol nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A report from licensing sergeant John Lovick details a string of failed test purchases, where police send in a child with the intention of buying alcohol, and incidents of disorder relating to the business.

The report shows a total of 15 incidents relating to the sale of alcohol dating back to June 2012.

In one incident PCSOs report seeing drunken reveller thrown out of pubs and clubs on Friargate for being drunk and aggressive. He then entered Best One and purchased alcohol. On this occasion the seller received an £80 fine for selling alcohol to a drunk.

On another occasion a bottle of VS was sold to a 16-year-old female and the newsagent received another £80 fine.

Police have also issued photographs of the litter caused by alcohol purchases at the store.

Police photo of smashed bottles near Friargate newsagent

They also claim to have letters from other Friargate businesses complaining of the way Best One conducts their business in relation to the sale of alcohol.

The city council’s licensing sub committee will meet on Tuesday 24 September from 10am at the Town Hall to review the licence.

You can view the full report on the council website.