Business information

Underage sales prove costly for licensees

Two Stevenage licensees are counting the cost of allowing a 15-year-old to buy alcohol from their shops.

The girl was a volunteer for Hertfordshire Trading Standards and was not asked for identification at either Basra Supermarket, in Whitesmead Road, or Costcutter, in Archer Road.

The licensees of both premises were fined £200 at Stevenage Magistrates' Court yesterday and ordered to pay £272.58 prosecution costs.

Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture, said: "It only takes a moment to check for identification, and it could save licensees a small fortune.

"These licensees made a £2 sale that ended up costing them nearly £500, and I hope other licensees see this and realise it's just not worth the risk.

"These test purchases will continue until licensees - and their staff - take their responsibilities seriously."

Kashmir Singh Basra, 49, is licensee at Basra Supermarket and was in the shop on January 22 when the volunteer bought a bottle of Bacardi Breezer. Although she was served by his wife, he was responsible as designated premises supervisor and premises licence holder.

Basra has since been using a refusals' book, which logs details about underage customers who have tried to purchase alcohol.

Madan Mohan Singh, 47, made the sale at Costcutter on the same day after assuming the girl was with other customers he knew to be 18. He blamed his mistake on tiredness from working a double shift and said he normally operated a "Think 21" policy.

Both licensees pleaded guilty to offences under S146(1) of the Licensing Act 2003, relating to the sale of alcohol to underage persons.