AN off licence will have its premises licence reviewed after a request was submitted by Essex Police.

Paso Wines, in London Road, Southend, will undergo a review of their premises licence relating to the licensing objectives.

According to the public agenda for the review, which will go through the Licensing Sub Committee at Southend Council, grounds for the application are that the premises is undermining the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.

Julie Farrow, chairman of the Westborough Residents’ Association, said concerns hadn’t been raised about the particular shop but there had been issues with off licences in general.

She said: “There have been no problems with the off licence that I know of, although I know that certain streets have issues because they are used as walkways and that can cause problems at night.

“A few years ago there were issues with shops selling alcohol to underage people, and my daughter has said that it does still happen in off licences and corner shops on the whole.

“To be honest, if someone is underage and wants to buy something from local shops, they probably can, I don’t think all shop owners would say no.

“It is not surprising because they are competing with bigger shops now like Tesco and Aldi – it is hard for smaller shops to make a living and big profits can be made by selling those products, but that doesn’t make it acceptable.”

In 2009, under a different licence holder, the premises was subject to a review application by Essex Police following failed underage test purchases for alcohol.

The Licensing Authority is obliged to hold a hearing to consider any concerns and any relevant representations.

If necessary, the committee has the power to modify the conditions of the licence, to exclude a licensable activity from the scope of the licence, to remove the designated premises supervisor, to suspend the licence for a period not exceeding three months or to revoke the licence completely.

A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the sub-committee will be meeting to consider an application by Essex Police to review a premises licence for Paso Wines at 208 London Road, Southend.

“The application relates to the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further before the sub-committee meets and determines the application.”

An employee at Paso Wines said: “My boss isn’t in, you have to speak to him.

“The police came couple of weeks ago and they said everything was fine.”

Essex Police said they could not comment on a licensing issue before the hearing took place.

The hearing into the licence will be held at Southend Council on Thursday.