£1k penalty to Trader who sold alcohol to kids

A newsagent in Harrow has been ordered to pay £953.29 for selling alcohol to underage children.

During a compliance check in the area in June 2023 by Brent and Harrow Trading Standards, a member of staff at Quality Food & Wine Ltd, Kenton sold two 330ml bottles of alcohol to underage people aged 16 and 17. 

At Willesden Magistrates Court on 20 June 2024, Charanjeet Singh Rajvanci admitted the offence on behalf of the company. The company failed to demonstrate that it took all reasonable precautions to avoid the sale taking place. During the formal interview with seller, he said believed they looked aged 25 or over. He gave no valid reason on how he came to that conclusion.

The Magistrates gave the company a fine of £300 and he was ordered to pay £120 victim surcharge and costs of £300, a total of £720.

Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety said:

“The law is clear on selling products prohibited to children. It’s why these items have age restrictions on them.

“It is concerning that this trader proceeded to sell alcohol to underage children despite knowing the law. While this was a test purchase it could have been a vulnerable young person.

“Every business has a duty of care to keep the public safe and comply with the law. In this case the trader failed to do that and was given a penalty. We will continue to carry out work to keep people safe and take action against businesses operating illegally.”

If you suspect a business is selling illegal tobacco, please report them to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Published: 29th July 2024