A Colchester business owner has been fined for selling alcohol to a child.
Jigar Patel, owner and sole Director of London Bottle Shop Ltd, trading as Crouch Street Newsagents, was found guilty of selling alcohol to someone under the age of 18 at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 11 July.
Patel was found guilty in his absence and was fined £650 for the offence. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £274, as well as being ordered to pay £3,000 costs.
In March 2023, Trading Standards Officers visited Crouch Street Newsagents and provided advice and guidance on the law regarding underage sales.
The following month 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.
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 Trading Standards, said:
This prosecution sends a clear message to individuals that continue to break the law. Businesses which sell age-restricted products must follow safe practices to ensure that they are not selling to those underage.
Essex Trading Standards will not tolerate irresponsible trading and won’t hesitate to take legal action where necessary to protect the public. We hope this prosecution serves as a warning to other shops and businesses of the need to pay proper attention to the law and avoid selling very harmful products to children.
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.