A Lowestoft shop owner has pleaded guilty to allowing a child to buy cigarettes from his store.
During a test purchase operation by Suffolk Trading Standards in June 2011, an employee of Jasvinder Singh Bains, at Premier Stores in Carlton Colville, sold cigarettes to a young person under the age of 18.
This was the second time in a four month period that the store had been caught selling an age restricted product. The same employee had sold alcohol to an underage volunteer during a similar operation in February 2011.
At Lowestoft Magistrates Court, Mr Bains pleaded guilty to the underage sale of tobacco and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling over £600.
Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “It is imperative that we continue to work closely with local traders to highlight the strict legislation in this area and to challenge young people where necessary.
“Retailers must ensure they are doing all they can to prevent underage sales and fulfil their duties as a responsible trader. Along with the police, community safety teams and traders themselves, we will continue to work together to ensure the safety of young people in the county.”
Trading Standards regularly work with partner agencies to conduct test purchases across Suffolk. Traders are asked to be vigilant and ensure they train their staff regularly, operate a ‘Challenge 25 policy’ and always ask for an approved form of ID. Should traders require any information or an age restricted sales pack they should contact Trading Standards.
Vicki Snelgrove, Tobacco Control Commissioning Advisor at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT said; “We are very pleased to support Trading Standards in their work. Legislation exists to protect our communities from tobacco related harm and in funding this type of operation we are sending out a strong message to the public.”
Anyone with any information regarding the sale of tobacco or alcohol to young people under the age of 18 should contact Consumer Direct anonymously on 08454 040506. Trading Standards will continue to carry out enforcement action as and when necessary.
