20/04/2009 - Shopkeeper sold children fireworks
A shopkeeper has been fined £1,100 for selling fireworks to underage girls.
Mr Ashish Patel, the former owner of the Best One shop in Coulsdon, Surrey, pleaded guilty to selling the fireworks to two 15-year-old girls in November 2008.
Croydon magistrates heard that the town council had recruited the volunteers to check that local shops were adhering to the law by refusing to sell fireworks to under 18s.
Mr Patel was witnessed by Croydon Council's Trading Standards officers, who had accompanied the girls and said that the shopkeeper did not query or ask for proof of their age.
Mr Patel, who has since sold the shop, said the sale had been an error of judgment, but councillor Gavin Barwell said that shopkeepers must always be vigilant and ask for proof of age.
Mr Barwell said: "The sale of fireworks to children is a serious matter. It has consequences not only for their safety but for that of other children.
"Fireworks in the wrong hands can be as dangerous as any other weapon and the council will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught selling age-restricted products to young people."
Croydon Council has advised business to visit its website for further information on firework registration or sales.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Related links
|
