Putney shop loses alcohol licence after selling to underage volunteers

Stonehenge Food and Wine, a corner shop located on Lower Richmond Road in Putney, has had its licence to sell alcohol revoked by Wandsworth Council. The decision follows a series of licence breaches, including selling alcohol to two underage volunteers during test purchases conducted for the council.

Repeated Licence Breaches

The shop's licence, originally granted in July 2025, was reviewed by Wandsworth Council's licensing team. Reports indicate the premises received three formal warnings for licence breaches. An inspection on April 22 found the shop in violation of multiple conditions, including issues with CCTV, incident logs, staff training, adherence to the 'Challenge 25' age-verification policy, and the sale of high-strength single cans of alcohol. These breaches remained unresolved, leading to a second warning on June 30.

During the period of these warnings, the shop failed two test purchases. Alcohol was sold to a 16-year-old volunteer on April 17 and to another underage volunteer on June 24. A third warning was issued on August 25 following another inspection that identified significant licence breaches.

Licence Holder's Response

John McGann, Wandsworth's senior licensing officer, stated at a licensing hearing on September 3 that the case demonstrated a pattern of serious and repeated failures by licence holder Abdul Hamid Hamidi to uphold licensing objectives, particularly concerning the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children. Mr McGann argued for the licence revocation due to repeated underage sales, persistent breaches, and a lack of meaningful improvement despite interventions.

Mr Hamidi, who took over the licence in April, apologised for the second failed test purchase and acknowledged his responsibilities. He stated he had displayed a 'Challenge 25' poster in the shop before the third inspection. However, a report on the committee's decision noted a continued lack of communication from Mr Hamidi with officers, which was interpreted as neglectful behaviour or a wilful disregard for the concerns raised. The report also indicated Mr Hamidi had not demonstrated the expected knowledge for operating a licensed premises.

Next Steps

As a result of the licence revocation, Stonehenge Food and Wine can no longer sell alcohol. The decision by Wandsworth Council's licensing committee means the shop must cease all alcohol sales.