Underage Sales Prosecution

It has been reported that North Staffordshire Magistrates Court has issued fines and costs order against a licensee following a successful prosecution for underage sales, the total amount ordered to be paid being £5288.00

The premise was a shop situated in Newcastle under Lyme which was charged both with selling alcohol to two fourteen-year-olds during 2024 and unauthorised licensable activities.

Prosecution was brought by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s licensing team on 12 May, who presented evidence of 2 offences -a sale of a bottle of vodka to the teenagers without checking for ID and found multiple breaches of licence conditions, including CCTV not working properly.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, town centres and growth, Stephen Sweeney said:

The borough council will not tolerate irresponsible traders who neglect their responsibilities, and we’re pleased to see a successful outcome to this prosecution. 

Selling alcohol to children harms them and their communities, and as a council, we’re committed to keeping people safe. We hope this serves as a warning that traders must be compliant with the law.”

Knowledge of the law and the content of the conditions endorsed on the licence is fundamental for anyone operating under a premise licence. If you are in doubt as to what your licence requires of you, how to implement it or find yourself in breach, please contact JG&P for expert advice and support.