Albrighton trader successfully prosecuted for selling alcohol to minors
Anwar Mahmood, of Albrighton Post Office and Stores, has pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrates Court to selling alcohol to a person who had not reached the age of 18. The sale took place in September 2014, and the young person was a volunteer working with Shropshire Council’s public protection service.
The Magistrates Court was informed of the defendant’s previous failings with underage sales, and the apparent deliberate disregard to previous guidance of underage sales legislation for the sake of a sale. The Court were also pointed to the detrimental impact that underage sales have within the community, and in connection with anti-social behaviour by minors.
The shop has also had a 28-day suspension and conditions added to its licence following a licence hearing earlier in 2015.
Grant Tunnadine, Shropshire Council’s investigations team manager for public protection, said:
“It remains a priority for us to ensure that young people are not able to purchase alcohol before they are legally entitled to. In this case, the trader was issued with a fine of £160 and ordered to pay £500 costs. The majority of retailers remain vigilant and adhere to their training policies, which results more often than not in our volunteers being refused alcohol. However, it is always disappointing when we do get a sale. On this occasion previous advice had clearly been ignored, and under these circumstances we will consider using all the enforcement tools open to the council. This includes reviewing a trader’s licence to sell alcohol, as well as instituting legal proceedings.”
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, added:
“Selling alcohol to minors is a serious matter and retailers must remain diligent at all times. Underage drinking has implications for the health of young people, as well as their safety whilst under the influence. Challenge 25 is a very simple policy to adopt and has proved to be a very effective method of preventing underage sales. Any customer who appears to be aged 25 or under should be asked to prove that they are legally old enough to purchase the alcohol. It can be difficult to judge a person’s age and it was for this reason that Challenge 25 was introduced. I am confident that when staff adopt the policy correctly, they will never sell to an underage individual.”
Shropshire Council encourages individuals to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 if they have any suspicions that retailers may be selling age- restricted products to minors. Information can be given anonymously and will always be treated in line with the council’s information governance policies.
Shropshire-based traders who wish to seek further advice on their legal obligations or who also wish to report any suspicions that offences may be being committed by other businesses can do so by contacting public protection’s prevention and early intervention team on 0345 678 9000. General business advice and support can also be found on the council’s website at shropshire.gov.uk/business/
