Alcohol Licence Revoked for Shop Owner Found Intoxicated

The authority for a shop proprietor to sell alcohol has been withdrawn after law enforcement discovered him in an inebriated condition at his establishment. Lancashire Police identified Kumrakulasingham Thevathas as intoxicated and “incoherent” when they responded to his Sasda 24/7 premises on Whalley Road, Accrington, during the evening of 29 September. At a hearing held this week by Hyndburn Council, a police constable stated that Mr. Thevathas had “appeared under the influence of alcohol, unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred, and officers could smell alcoholic intoxicants on his breath”. The constable further reported that “Officers then spoke to members of the public in the area who stated that Mr Thevathas is frequently under the influence and that this was normal behaviour for him.” The shopkeeper had possessed the licence for only a month when he contacted the police via 999 that night. The emergency operator noted that “several raised voices could be heard in the background shouting and swearing”. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, “the police found the licensee Mr Thevathas stood in the doorway of the premises and the officers at the scene were quickly made aware of Mr Thevathas’ intoxicated state.” Officers also located a half-empty vodka bottle behind the till, in addition to a three-quarters empty bottle of rum in the rear of the shop. “The attending officers then advised Mr Thevathas to close the shop and go to bed as he was incapable of running the business whilst in such an intoxicated state.” Mr Thevathas did not contest the revocation of the premises licence, which he had held since 22 August.