A SOUTHAMPTON neighbourhood convenience store has been banned from selling alcohol.

Civic bosses have taken away the Lordswood Road store’s licence after staff were caught selling booze to children on three occasions.

Tesco bosses said they were “considering their options” after the council licensing committee’s decision.

Police had asked the council to take away its license to prevent crime and disorder and to protect children from harm.

The store only opened last year on the site of the former Woodman pub.

Children test purchasing for the police were sold alcohol three times in nine months.

Two 17-year-olds were sold a bottle of wine on December 28 last year, a 15-year-old was able to buy cider on August 8 this year and another 17-year-old was sold cider on September 18.

The licensing panel was told that the area had experienced problems with antisocial behaviour and teenagers drinking in the past.

At the hearing representatives for Tesco had argued that the failed test purchases were the result of individual errors by staff members, and that the firm was “as mortified as everyone else” by the offences.

But with the store the only one in the city to have failed three test purchases, the licensing committee decided to take away its licence which will be officially revoked on January 10.

The news was welcomed by the area’s ward councillors.

Cllr Don Thomas, of Labour Councillors Against Cuts, below left,, said: “The licensing panel have accomplished a good, positive step to help prevent the sale of alcohol to children.

“They have sent a message loud and clear – that we won’t tolerate the sale of alcohol to children, no matter who you are.”

Labour’s Cllr Sally Spicer, below right, added: “It was serious – three failed test purchases is not good in an area which is very touchy about the subject of selling alcohol to kids.

“I’m pleased with the outcome, it’s good to see that the council taken this seriously.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “We are disappointed with the outcome of the review hearing and we are considering our options.”

Tesco has until January 10 to decide whether to appeal the decision or not.