Thavaraja Thevakapilin, the owner of the Premier shop on Scotland Street in Ellesmere, Shropshire, has been fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000 for selling alcohol to a teenager.
Shropshire Council’s trading standards service brought the prosecution following a test purchase by a volunteer in June last year.
The court heard that a 15-year-old could purchase a bottle of WKD Blue from the shop without being questioned about their age. This incident prompted the council to take action after receiving reports that age-restricted products were being sold to minors at the premises.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Mr. Thevakapilin had been previously advised on the laws relating to age-restricted products and how to avoid selling them to children. Despite this guidance, the sale to the underage teenager occurred, leading to the prosecution.
Alcohol Shop (Credits: South China Morning Post)
The case highlights the importance of compliance with age restrictions on the sale of alcohol and other products. The law is in place to protect young people from harm and businesses must take their responsibilities seriously.
In response to the case’s outcome, Shropshire Council’s trading standards team emphasized the importance of businesses being aware of their legal obligations and stated that they would continue to take action against businesses that fail to comply with the law.
Mr. Thevakapilin’s case reminds businesses of the consequences of selling age-restricted products to minors. Companies must have robust systems to prevent such sales, including training staff to ask for identification when necessary.
The fine and costs imposed on Mr. Thevakapilin should serve as a warning to other businesses that selling age-restricted products to minors will not be tolerated.
It is vital that all businesses, mainly those selling alcohol, are aware of and comply with the law to protect young people and avoid facing similar penalties.
The case highlights the importance of businesses adhering to age restrictions on the sale of alcohol and other products. Mr. Thevakapilin’s prosecution sends a clear message that selling age-restricted products to minors will not be tolerated and that businesses must take their responsibilities seriously.
