Nirpesh Shrestha, the owner of Jash News and Off Licence, has been fined over £1,000 for selling to two teenagers in April this year. In a covert operation by Trading Standards, a 16-year-old and 13-year-old were able to purchase a 700ml bottle of WKD Blue, sold by Mr Shreshtha, who is the owner of the shop and the designated premises supervisor and premises licence holder.

Fined over £1,000

The case was heard on Monday 29 October 2018 at Bexley Magistrates Court where Mr Shrestha pleaded guilty to two charges and was fined a total of £1,040. He was fined £200 for selling alcohol to an underage person, £400 for failing to label alcohol at his premises, ordered to pay £400 costs and £40 victim surcharge.

Mr Shrestha was warned by the court that he could lose his personal licence if he failed to observe the law.

'Duty of care to young people'

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Integrated Enforcement, said: "Traders have a duty of care to young people and should ensure that they are vigilant and ask for proof of identity. We commend our Trading Standards officers for their continuing work on this issue. Prosecutions like this will drive home the repercussions of selling to minors, especially the potential risk to traders of losing their licence.

"The Council already issues guidance to businesses and we would encourage all those selling alcohol to make themselves aware of their responsibilities."

Read our guidance for traders on under age sales