A Clacton business owner and his staff member have been fined for selling alcohol to a child.
Guvenc Cocelli, owner and Designated Premises Supervisor of Best Supermarket, in Rosemary Road, Clacton, was charged with selling alcohol to someone under the age of 18. He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 19 September.
Mr Mevlit Zorba, who sold the alcohol, was also charged with the same offence.
Cocelli pleaded guilty and was fined £346 for the offence. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £138, as well as being ordered to pay £2,000 costs.
Zorba also pleaded guilty and was fined £153, with a £61 victim surcharge and costs of £200.
In January 2023, Trading Standards Officers visited Best Supermarket and provided advice and guidance on the law regarding underage sales.
In April the same year, an alcohol test purchase was attempted and a sale was made to a 16-year-old girl. A warning letter was sent following this test purchase.
The following month, on 31 May 2023, another test purchase was undertaken. Another sale of alcohol was made, this time to a 14-year-old female volunteer test purchaser.
Councillor Mark Durham, Essex County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Essex Trading Standards, said:
This is the latest prosecution secured by Essex Trading Standards against a business for selling age-restricted products to children and shows that where necessary we will not hesitate to take legal action against irresponsible traders.
We hope it sends a clear message that business owners must obey the law and cannot sell harmful products to children, or they will face the consequences.
If you are concerned that a shop might be selling age restricted products to children, you can report this to Trading Standards. This can be done by the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Visit the website or call 0808 223 1133.