05/11/2009 - Gunpowder plot catches shopkeeper
A modern-day gunpowder plot has caught one London shopkeeper selling fireworks to underage youths.
Newham trading standards officers used a 16-year-old in a 'sting' operation after residents complained about the shops practices. Further checks on shops throughout Forest Gate are also planned.
Fireworks can only be legally bought by over-18s, and punishments for shopkeepers who break the law include a £5,000 fine and six months in prison.
Bonfire night celebrates the original gunpowder plot, when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. For him, the punishment was execution.
Council spokesman Andrew Baikie said: "We take a zero tolerance approach to retailers who break the law on under-age sales.
"We will take action against anyone who is found selling age restricted goods to under-age people as these laws are ultimately in place to protect young people from harm."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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