AN OFF-LICENCE owner has been prosecuted for selling alcohol to underage drinkers.

Sellathurai Sivanesuntharam, who owns the Hari Newsagency, Midhurst Hill, Bexleyheath, was taken to court by Bexley Council after investigations by trading standards officers and the police.

Sivanesuntharam pleaded guilty by post to the offence, which took place in May last year.

Bexley magistrates fined him £1,250 and ordered him to pay £150 costs.

Currently no moves are being made to revoke Sivanesuntharam's alcohol licence as the council says there is no evidence of crime or disorder in the area connected with underage drinking.

Council environmental health officers have applied to Bexley's licensing sub-committee to have the drinks licence for the Tesco Express, Station Road, Sidcup, revoked or temporarily suspended.

This is due to disorder problems and is part of its continuing campaign against underage drinking.