Claims city off-licence sold alcohol and vapes to children as young as 10

Reports by a police force suggest that children as young as 10 were sold vapes

An off-licence store in Cambridgeshire will have its licence reviewed after reports of underage sales to children as young as 10. Cambridgeshire Police has requested that Peterborough City Council review the licence of Westgate News on Westgate, Peterborough following concerns.

This application was made by the force on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm. The application was requested after enquiries suggested that the shop engaged in “persistent and systemic sale of alcohol, vapes and nicotine products to children”.

The force has confirmed evidence that a 14-year-old girl was sold vodka, a vape, and a soft drink by staff on January 1, 2026.

During a compliance visit in January, several other license breaches were identified. These included: no personal license holder being present during alcohol sales, failure to maintain staff training records and failure to comply with CCTV retention requirements.

The force claimed it had received “consistent intelligence demonstrating a clear pattern of unlawful sales”. Intelligence intel received in June suggests that a 12-year-old child was sold a vape.

According to the force, the shop is described as “well known in school to sell vapes to children”. Cambridgeshire Police said this demonstrates that the store has “developed a reputation amongst school-age children as a reliable source of age-restricted products”. Reports dating back to 2025 indicated the shop sold vapes to students in school uniform, and to children as young as 10.

The application claims the premises has “continued unlawful activity despite enforcement” and “developed a reputation as a source of illegal underage sales”.

The licensing review application, submitted by Cambridgeshire Police, states: “The volume, consistency, and longevity of intelligence—combined with evidential incidents and enforcement action—demonstrate that this premises is systematically undermining the licensing objectives, particularly in respect of children.

“The latest intelligence confirms that these issues remain ongoing, necessitating decisive action by the Licensing Authority.”

Peterborough City Council’s licensing team will now respond to the force’s concerns.