Kent Police launched an investigation after a 16-year-old boy was found heavily intoxicated in Dover in August 2024 and required medical attention. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the boy had bought a litre of vodka from Dylan’s Superstore, also known as the High Street Mini Mart. The store subsequently had its alcohol license revoked after concerns were raised by local authorities following the sale of alcohol to a minor.
CCTV footage obtained by police showed the boy being sold the alcohol by a shop assistant without any age verification. The license holder for the business was absent during the police visit and appeared to have little oversight of the store’s operations. Furthermore, staff training on challenging underage customers was deemed inadequate.
Based on these findings, the town’s licensing officer, supported by Kent County Council’s Trading Standards team, applied for a review of the premises license under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003. At a hearing on Monday, October 21, Dover District Council’s Licensing Committee unanimously decided to revoke the store’s alcohol license indefinitely.
Licensing officer PC Danielle Rolfe emphasized the dangers of underage drinking and the importance of protecting young people from harm. She stated,
“The sale of alcohol to children puts them at risk of harm, as was evident in this case where the boy was allowed to purchase such a large quantity of spirits without any challenge. We are committed to protecting young people and the community from the negative consequences of underage drinking.”
Oliver Jewell, Principal Trading Standards Officer for Kent County Council, expressed support for the decision to revoke the license, citing the serious impact of the incident. He also noted that while his team is willing to assist retailers who are committed to compliance, the actions of the store in this case demonstrated a lack of responsibility and inadequate measures to prevent underage sales.