Off Licence Owner Prosecuted

St.Helens Magistrates on January 20, imposed fines and costs totalling £385.00 after hearing that the owner, who pleaded guilty,  sold a 2 litre bottle of cider to the volunteer youngster who was assisting St Helens Council’s Trading Standards and Merseyside Police in the test purchasing exercise.

Councillor Carole Kavanagh, St Helens Council’s Executive Member  for Environmental Protection said, “ Prosecution is just one of a number of sanctions available for tackling those retailers who shirk their responsibilities when selling alcohol. Repeat offenders could loose their licence.” 

The Council’s Trading Standards and Merseyside Police regularly conduct test purchase exercises to ensure that age restricted goods like alcohol, cigarettes and knives aren’t sold to under 18’s. 

Anyone who suspects a retailer to be selling to underage are asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555