SANCTIONS have been lifted on a supermarket which was caught selling alcohol to under-age drinkers.

Tesco Express in London Road, Allington, near Maidstone was banned from selling alcohol for three months last July after a police investigation revealed customers under 18 had been served at the store.

Tesco's appeal against the ban was withdrawn last week but the shop has now been allowed to continue selling alcohol, subject to certain conditions being met.

Maidstone council were this week claiming "a victory" for bringing the store into line and making the supermarket giant pay costs of £2,558.80.

From now on a personal licence holder must be based exclusively at the shop and be present whenever alcohol is on sale.

A book must also be kept to record any occasion when someone is refused alcohol, and CCTV must be installed to cover points of the shop agreed by the police. Staff must also receive extra training on refusing to sell alcohol to underage people.

The shop has been told only a photographic driving licence, passport or a 'PASS' approved identification card should be accepted as proof of age.