A WEYMOUTH store caught selling alcohol to a 14-year-old girl could lose its licence.

The alcohol licence of Abbotsbury Road Sub Post Office is set to be reviewed after it was exposed in two test purchasing operations.

In the tests, carried out by Trading Standards in response to reports of anti-social behaviour in the area, the store served 14 and 15-year-old girls without asking for proof of age.

The first test was carried out in May last year by Dorset County Council's Trading Standards team, in conjunction with Dorset Police.

After officers witnessed the sale of alcohol to a 14-year-old girl, the store was given a warning and a fixed penalty notice.

The post office subsequently implemented a Challenge 21' policy, whereby all those who looked under the age of 21 would supposedly be asked for proof of age.

However, when officers carried out a second test five months later a 15-year-old girl was again served alcohol without being asked for identification.

The store was issued with another fixed penalty and Trading Standards have now applied for a review from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's licensing sub committee.

The three-man sub committee will meet on Monday for the review, when they will have several options including imposing new conditions on the licence of the premises, a suspension of up to three months or even revoking the licence completely.

Police licensing officer Karen O'Donnell, who was involved in both test operations, supports the licence review in a letter to the council.

She says: "Test purchase exercises are conducted on a regular basis throughout Dorset, and whilst areas will be routinely visited, on occasions the exercise may be in response to complaints regarding pubic nuisance and reports of under-age drinking.

"Abbotsbury Road Post Office is situated in an area where large groups of young people congregate and where there are regular incidents involving youths, alcohol and anti-social behaviour, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.

"The sale of alcohol to a minor is not acceptable under any circumstances, but particularly when the situation can be easily prevented.

"Staff have failed to act responsibly on two separate occasions when selling age restricted goods.

"I therefore consider it necessary for conditions to be imposed on the licence with regard to procedures and additional staff training, as a positive measure to prevent further sales."

Abbotsbury Sub Post Office's licence holder Stephen Bassett refused to comment.