Business information

Bottle of lager costs £250

A London Colney licensee left court counting the cost of letting a friend look after the till for a couple of hours.

Shilpa Lodhiya was fined £250 after a 15-year-old girl was able to buy a bottle of lager from High Spirits, in Haseldine Road.

The girl was a volunteer for Trading Standards, and Lodhiya found herself at St Albans Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Although the sale was made by a friend who was helping out - and who had been told to ask for identification and log any refusals - Lodhiya took responsibility as the licensee.

Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture, said: "I hope the size of the fine acts as a deterrent to other licensees.

"We will not tolerate sales of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, no matter how small the purchase. This case also serves as a reminder to owners and licensees that they are liable for the actions of their staff.

"These test purchases will continue as long as we continue to find licensees who do not take their responsibilities seriously."

Lodhiya was also ordered to pay £272 costs to Trading Standards.