A SHOPKEEPER has been refused a liquor licence because he failed to declare a drink-driving conviction.

Satinder Singh, of Salisbury Place, Middleton St George, had applied to Darlington Borough Council for a personal liquor licence for his family business, the Country Harvest Off-Licence, in the village.

However, the form which was signed by Mr Singh, stated he had no relevant convictions.

When the application was checked by police, they discovered he had been convicted for drink-driving in May last year.

Inspector Sue Collingwood, of Darlington police, said the police had to object to the application on the grounds of honesty.

Mr Singh told the licensing committee that his father and uncle had filled out the form on his behalf - he had checked it quickly and signed it. He had not thought that drink-driving was a relevant offence.

In retrospect, he said, he should have put the conviction down on the form.

The council told Mr Singh he could appeal against its decision.