Cambridgeshire Police has applied to Peterborough City Council for a formal review of the premises licence for Westgate News, a convenience store on Westgate in central Peterborough, after enquiries suggested the shop has been selling alcohol, vapes and nicotine products to children.
Allegations and evidence cited by police
The force's application says it has gathered intelligence pointing to a "persistent and systemic" pattern of unlawful sales. Specific incidents cited in the application include a recorded sale on 1 January 2026 in which staff are said to have sold a 14-year-old girl vodka, a vape and a soft drink. Further intelligence in June 2026 is reported to indicate a separate sale of a vape to a 12-year-old.
"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 application refers to longer-standing concerns dating back into 2025, including reports that the shop sold age-restricted products to pupils wearing school uniform and to children described as young as 10.
Compliance failings observed
During a compliance visit in January, inspectors identified multiple breaches of licensing duties. The force's submission lists the following problems:
- No personal licence holder present during alcohol sales
- Failure to maintain staff training records
- Failure to comply with CCTV retention requirements
Cambridgeshire Police say this combination of intelligence, recorded incidents and earlier enforcement action indicates the premises has "developed a reputation amongst school-age children as a reliable source of age-restricted products".
| Allegation / Finding | Detail |
|---|---|
| Specific incident | 14-year-old sold vodka, vape and soft drink (1 Jan 2026) |
| Further intelligence | 12-year-old reportedly sold a vape (June 2026) |
| Historic reports | Sales to pupils in uniform and children as young as 10 (from 2025) |
| Compliance visit findings | No personal licence holder; missing training records; CCTV retention breaches |
Local impact and next steps
If the council accepts the police application, the licensing committee will hold a review hearing to consider whether the premises licence should be modified, suspended or revoked. Such hearings provide an opportunity for representations from the police, the licence holder and other interested parties, including local residents and businesses.
Concerns about underage access to vapes and alcohol are a recurring issue nationally and are especially sensitive in areas close to schools. The application explicitly frames the case around the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm.
Parents and schools in Peterborough who have observed or experienced similar problems can expect local licensing processes to allow formal representations. The police application indicates they will press the council to take regulatory action in the interests of child protection.
InfoRadar has asked Peterborough City Council and the owner of Westgate News for comment. Any response received will be published in a follow-up report.
