A shop owner and premise licence holder have been fined £2,645 for illegally selling alcohol to an underage person.

 

Angel Stores in 9 Royal Parade, Church Street, Dagenham sold a can of Fosters beer to a 16 year old male without confirming his age and asking for identification.

 

The offence took place on Thursday 10 August 2017 during a routine test purchase exercise by Council Trading Standards officers. 

 

On Friday 1 February 2019, Barkingside Magistrates Court found Mr Chuks Anyijiobi, the shop owner, guilty and ordered him to pay a £450 fine, a £45 Victim Surcharge and also £1,000 costs to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. 

 

Mrs Joelle Anyijiobi, the premise licence holder, was also found guilty and was fined £120, a £30 Victim Surcharge and ordered to pay £1,000 costs to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.  

“We’re working hard to protect our young people by clamping down on rogue businesses that illegally sell alcohol" 

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “The welfare of our young people is a top priority for us and we’re working hard to protect our young people by clamping down on rogue businesses that illegally sell alcohol and other age restricted products. 

 

“Alcohol can be particularly dangerous for underage young people and can cause many damaging and long-term health problems. This case shows we absolutely won’t allow underage alcohol sales to take place in Barking and Dagenham. We welcome businesses to operate in the borough, but they have to act in a manner that is socially acceptable and operate according to the letter of the law.” 

Report it

Residents can confidentially report concerns about businesses that may be selling tobacco to underage young people, or email the Trading Standards Team at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk