TWO convenience stores in Southampton will have their licences to sell alcohol reviewed today.

The licensees of Coxford Stores, in Coxford Drove, and Quick Trip in Shirley Road, Freemantle, will go before the city council’s licensing committee.

The hearing has been called after Hampshire Constabulary raised concerns that both stores had sold alcohol to teenagers under the age of 18.

The force says the reviews are necessary to prevent crime and disorder, and to protect children from harm.

A police report says staff at Coxford Stores sold alcohol to test purchasers aged 16 and 17 on three occasions between August 2011 and December 28 last year.

And a report on the Quick Trip store says test purchasers, also aged 16 and 17, were sold alcohol on December 28 last year and February 8 this year.

Following several meetings with the licensees, the force has recommended that both stores install better CCTV and provide more training before staff are permitted to sell alcohol.

Police also want a Challenge 25 policy to be implemented at both stores, where anyone appearing under the age of 25 will be challenged for identification.