A SHOP worker who allegedly sold alcohol to a 13-year-old wants to extend his licensing hours.

Ghulam Murtaza, who runs AJS Stores, on Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport, can currently sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 10.30pm on Sundays.

But he has applied to Newport council to extend those hours to 6am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.

In an application form submitted to the council’s licensing sub committee Mr Murtaza says all staff are trained to ensure alcohol is not served to those who appear under the age of 21 without valid identification, and says they will not serve alcohol to those who have already been drinking.

But the authority’s trading standards department has objected to the application because it has a pending prosecution against Mr Murtuza.

It is alleged he sold alcohol to a 13-year-old in October 2012, a report to councillors says.

The department has concerns about the current ability of the management to meet the licensing objectives and as a result of the application fair trading officer Emma Abbott has asked for conditions to be put in place to ensure the correct sale of alcohol.

This includes operating a challenge 21 or 25 scheme, which requires customers to prove their age if they appear to be younger than 21 or 25 years old.

She wants this to be publicised via posters in the shop and has asked that Mr Murtaza implements a register of refusals to document the details of those who are refused sales of alcohol.

Ms Abbott has also asked for staff training on the matter to be documented to prove they understand the law.

Mr Murtaza did not wish to comment.

A panel of councillors will consider the application at a meeting today.