Traders are continuing to face the prospect of legal action for selling age-restricted goods to minors across the borough. The stark warning follows two successful prosecutions by the Council’s Trading Standards Team. A test-purchase operation revealed that 14, 15 and 16 year old volunteers were sold alcohol. The operation was part of an on-going campaign to monitor the purchase of age-restricted goods, including fireworks and alcohol, to under-age residents and the crackdown on potential for related anti-social behaviour.
“These laws are designed to protect us all - including the most vulnerable. Traders should never ignore the law. There are clear safety implications with the selling of these goods to minors. We will continue to take action to protect consumers and the wider community. We hope that these prosecutions will alert others that we are serious in making Bromley a safer place to live for our residents.” said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.
The two traders, Piratheepan Pathmanathan, trading as Clockhouse Food and Wine, Beckenham Road, Beckenham and Saima Bhatti, trading as Tam’s Food and Wine, Crescent Way, Orpington were each fined £400 with £200 costs. The traders failed to ask for identification and proceeded to sell alcohol to the minors who were accompanied by members of the Bromley Trading Standards Team during the test-purchase.
Another operation investigating the selling of fireworks, to a 15-year old minor, has resulted in one business facing an investigation and possible prosecution. Three traders are also facing investigations due to failing to store fireworks safely. Bromley Trading Standards Team and Police Officers found that in some outlets fireworks were being displayed on counters in view of the public, some on floors behind counters, some hanging on hooks on the wall and, in one instance, in a glass cabinet where a naked light bulb was illuminating the contents. This was despite previous advice being given to traders on the correct procedures for storage. Investigations could result in the traders registration by the local authority being removed, preventing them from selling fireworks in the future.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations require traders to register premises with the local authority in order that their premises can be inspected for safety of storage of the fireworks. Local Authorities can revoke or refuse to register a premises if they can show the person is unfit to hold a registration.
For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or call Rob Vale, Trading Standards Team Leader on 020 8313 4785, or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk.