Strong warning to Thornbury retailers

Thornbury retailers get a strong reminder of the consequences of selling Alcohol to under age people, The reminder comes after a Budget Booze off-licence Manager went before Bristol Magistrates Court this week and was handed a £2,500 fine and ordered to pay £2,974 court costs after being found guilty of selling alcohol to a minor.

Packer was caught out during a test-purchasing operation carried out by Bristol City Council's Trading Standards Team after they received information from the Neighbourhood Police Team.

Sergeant Ash Jones of Bishopsworth police Station said: "There have been numerous reports from many sources that this off-licence has been less then responsible in its sales policy to under 18's.

"We have actively supported our colleagues in Trading Standards in their actions, and fully endorse the hefty fine handed down by the court.

"We now expect the managers of this premise to fully operate within the boundaries of the rules, and to sell alcohol with the highest degree of responsibility.

"As this court action has proved, the consequences of failing in your duty as a responsible alcohol retailer will cost you dear."

I spoke to a sales assistant in a local shop in the town today and when I asked the girl what her opinion was on under age people trying to purchase alcohol she said “I refuse to sell age related items to at least 3 or 4 people per shift! The problem is we get done if we make the mistake yet the persons buying it don’t get fined” she continued to say “a lot of young people now a day’s look older than they really are, but I am not willing to get caught out so I continue to ID anyone that I feel is under or near the age restriction”

Do you think enough is being done? Surly more action should be taken against the persons trying to purchase the age restricted items as well as the shop keepers? Let us know what you think.

Does a licensed premise in your neighbourhood sell alcohol irresponsibly? If so, contact your local beat manager of 0845 456 7000.