A SOUTHAMPTON convenience store has had its alcohol licence suspended after selling strong lager too cheaply.

A Trading Standards review into Bitterne Express, which trades under the name London Off-Licence, found that the store was selling under-priced beer as well as out-of-date food.

It found that the store in St Catherine’s Road was selling lagers which contained more than 7.5 percent alcohol at a discounted price.

Under current legislation stores must not sell alcohol for below the duty price plus 20 per cent VAT, with duty depending on the beverage’s strength.

The store was found to be selling four cans of 500ml Perla Mocna, which is more than seven per cent strength, for £4. The pack’s legal minimum price – designed to tackle excessive alcohol consumption - is £4.36.

In addition to selling alcohol at a discounted price, the business was also selling food past its use by date, and displaying items which were not labelled in English.

When the Echo contacted the store, an employee said that he was not aware that its licence had been suspended for three months.

When asked whether he was still selling alcohol, he said: “Yes, but I will stop now.”

The store’s owner was not available for comment.

The hearing followed an operation involving police, licensing and Trading Standards where test purchases of strong lagers were made at 130 premises.

Rosie Zambra, from the environment, street scene and health department at Southampton City Council, said: “It is essential that businesses comply with the licence conditions when selling alcohol as they are in place to protect the public.

“High strength alcohol was sold on two occasions despite a letter having been sent to all licensees reminding them of the condition.

“There were also a number of other failures at this business.

“Our officers will continue to investigate any identified breaches.”