A SHOPKEEPER is the first person in the borough to have his alcohol licence taken away.

Bromley Council revoked Sri Haran Karunanithy's licence because children managed to buy alcohol at his shop, Times News in Glebe Way, West Wickham.

The decision was made at a meeting of the council's licensing sub-committee on March 17.

Mr Karunanithy has until April 7 to appeal.

The licence will not be withdrawn until the appeal period has expired Trading Standards officers had requested the action.

Chief trading standards officer Rob Vale said: "The selling of alcohol to minors is illegal and we take a firm line if we find any shops selling age-restricted products to children."