Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team saw great results from a test purchase exercise last week, as 15 traders refused to sell alcohol to an underage shopper.
On Wednesday, December 10, trained, underage volunteers visited shops in Langley, Farnham Road, Cippenham, Britwell and Slough High Street and attempted to buy alcohol.
Sixteen shops and off licences were visited in total and only one trader sold alcohol to a 15 year-old.
Dean Cooke, trading standards officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “We praise those traders who continue to be vigilant and ask for proof of age from consumers they suspect to be under 18 years.
“To ensure certainty, we ask traders to adopt the ‘Ask 21’ strategy and ask every customer who looks under the age of 21 for identification.
“It was disappointing to see a sale during this sting, as it shows some traders continue to ignore our advice.
“We want to stress the seriousness of selling alcohol to underage children. The maximum fine for selling alcohol to persons under the age of 18 is £5,000 and you could even have your licence revoked.”
To help spread the message, in the New Year, trading standards will be putting together trader seminars to give local businesses the chance to speak in person and open up new avenues of communication.
Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, commissioner for Slough community and leisure, said: “Although the test purchase saw great results from 15 stores, it also exposed a trader who broke the law by selling alcohol to a minor.
“The trading standards team do a fantastic job issuing advice to small local businesses, and distributing Trader Information Packs to help retailers who sell age restricted products, but it’s important retailers take note of this.
“I’d encourage any traders who want more information to look into attending the trade seminars on offer from the council.”
Slough trading standards are continuing their investigations into the premises where the alcohol was sold. It could result in either a caution or prosecution through the courts.
Anyone interested in the trade seminars should contact Dean Cooke on 01753 875255 or e-mail dean.cooke@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council
