Three shops facing
prosecution following underage sale
Three shops in Forest Gate are
facing prosecution after they were caught selling cigarettes and
alcohol to underage children.
During a crackdown on illegal sales of age-restricted
goods, Newham Council trading standards officers caught a shop
selling alcohol to a girl aged 14. Further checks caught two other
shops selling cigarettes to a boy aged 15.
The visits followed complaints from local residents who were
concerned that young people had been seen illegally buying
cigarettes and alcohol in the area.
Trading standards officers had previously provided all three
premises with a specially developed underage sales pack advising
them of the law.
Councillor Andrew Baikie, executive member for housing, process
and business efficiency said: "I'm disappointed that three shops
chose to ignore the law. These shops are giving children easy
access to cigarettes and alcohol.
"We will continue to make checks on shops in the borough to ensure
that they are complying with the law. We will always take action
against anyone who is found selling age-restricted goods to
underage people."