A convenience store has lost its right to sell alcohol after the licence holder was described as being “totally out of his depth”.

The decision to revoke the premises licence for Late Night Store in Christchurch Road, Boscombe, could put a potential sale of the business in doubt.

Dorset Police requested a review from BCP Council after premises licence holder Aras Dawd was “unwilling or unable” to comply with conditions despite extensive engagement.

Licensing officer Louise Busfield told members of the council’s licensing sub-committee that the premises was not permitted to sell beer, cider and lager which was stronger than 5.5 per cent.

She said every time she had visited Late Night Store there had been alcohol on display that exceeded the specified limit.

Ms Busfield said Mr Dawd was “not fit to run” a licensed premises.

She said she had recently been informed Mr Dawd was planning to sell the business but this was contingent on the premises retaining its alcohol sales licence.

David Ramsay, representing Mr Dawd, said: “This was my client’s first venture into the licensed trade and it has become apparently clear to both Dorset Police and Mr Dawd himself that he has found it difficult to meet the high standards necessary to operate this premises in a responsible manner.”

Mr Ramsay said his client “fully accepts and apologises” for the problems identified by police.

Mr Dawd had entered a retail business purchase agreement with a man who already runs a convenience store elsewhere in Bournemouth, Mr Ramsay said.

This sale was “dependent” on the premises licence remaining in place before being transferred immediately, the sub-committee was told.

Cllr George Farquhar, who described Mr Dawd as “totally out of his depth”, said he was “extremely uncomfortable” with members being put in a “negotiation stake” position in relation to the sale of the business.

Questions were asked over when knowledge of this possible deal came about and what assurances could be given that Mr Dawd would have nothing to do with the premises.

However, members were not convinced, and they decided to revoke the premises licence following the meeting on Wednesday, May 31.

This resolution was based on the grounds the premises was not upholding the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective.