A convenience store in New Romney has been stripped of its alcohol licence following an investigation that found staff sold vodka to two 15-year-old girls, one of whom later required medical treatment.
Kent Police launched an investigation into Littlestone Stores on Littlestone Road after a medical incident on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Officers discovered that two teenage girls purchased bottles of vodka from the store without being asked for proof of age. CCTV footage revealed that the store’s employees not only failed to check for ID but also manually bypassed prompts on their till system specifically designed to prevent underage alcohol sales. One of the girls became seriously ill after consuming the vodka and needed medical care.
The police also received additional reports that the store had a history of selling other age-restricted products, including alcohol and vapes, to schoolchildren. As a result, the store’s alcohol license has been permanently revoked.
PC Alistair Pringle from Kent Police said:
‘This was a clear and reckless breach of the law, which placed children at significant risk. The sale of alcohol to underage customers won’t be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure businesses uphold their responsibilities to protect young people.’
Licensing officers applied for a review of the shop’s alcohol licence and following a licensing hearing at Folkestone and Hythe District Council on Tuesday 19 August, the store’s licence was revoked. Kent Police worked hand in hand with Trading Standards, Folkestone & Hythe District Council, and New Romney Town Council.
A Folkestone & Hythe District Council spokesperson said:
‘The licensing authority is committed to promoting the highest standards of management at licensed premises and expects the Premises Licence Holder to operate in full accordance with their operating schedule and the law. Considering the repeated concerns and compliance issues identified at Littlestone Store, it demonstrates how effective partnership working leads to positive outcomes for protecting children against harm.’