Off-sales resume at barred store

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A store which had its licence suspended after being caught providing drink to under-18s is able to start selling alcohol again.

The mini-market in Methil, Fife, twice gave alcohol to 16-year-olds sent by Fife Constabulary under its test purchase scheme.

Licensee Bob Moreland was barred from selling alcohol for three months.

However, Fife Constabulary said he and the shop's staff had learned a lesson from the experience.

Mr Moreland said he had lost a large part of his income along with his standing in the local community, even receiving hate mail.

As a result of his experience, Mr Moreland has called for the introduction of identity cards for all teenagers.

Five licences have been suspended under the Fife test purchase scheme, which is the first of its kind in Scotland.

Ch Supt Andrew Laing, who speaks for the force on the issue, said that stopping children from drinking alcohol reduced the chances of them of becoming involved in crime, causing disturbances or damaging their health.