An undercover survey by Anglesey Trading Standards has led to the prosecution of a local businessman for selling alcohol to an underage teenager.
Mr Sinnathurai Ramanathan was prosecuted at Holyhead Magistrates Court on February 10th 2011 for offences under the Licensing Act 2003.
The owner and Designated Premise Supervisor, of Bodlondeb Stores, in Brynsiencyn, Mr Ramanathan was found guilty of selling alcohol to a 16-year-old male on the 24th August 2010 and allowing an individual under 18 years to sell alcohol unsupervised at his premises.
He pleaded guilty to the offences and was ordered to pay a total of £505.42 in fines and costs.
The action was brought by Anglesey County Council’s Trading Standards Section.
Principal Trading Standards Officer, Emma Jones said, “We welcome the Court’s decision in this matter. Underage drinking is one of the main causes of the anti-social behaviour seen on our streets. Unfortunately despite various schemes and best practice to prevent underage sales, ongoing test purchasing surveys clearly show a continuing problem. Designated Premise Supervisors and shopkeepers must take steps to ensure alcohol is not sold to youngsters who are underage from their establishments and that any serving staff who are under 18 years old are adequately supervised.”
Chief Trading Standards Officer, David Riley, added, “Having a policy to prevent underage sales isn’t enough in itself; retailers must also take steps to ensure the policy is understood and being implemented by staff on the front line. Staff should be aware that they themselves face and £80 penalty notice if they fail to implement policies and retailers need to take extra steps to ensure any policies are being adhered to”
Environment portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry urged retailers and their employees “to act responsibly and do their part to prevent underage sales of alcohol.”
Any retailer wanting advice and guidance on age restricted products and preventing underage sales, should contact the Trading Standards Unit on 01248 752840 for an advice pack.
