Solihull shop owner convicted of selling alcohol to children

A Solihull shop owner has been prosecuted for selling alcohol to underage children.

Mr Avtar Mahal, owner and licence holder of Spar on Poplar Road in Solihull town centre, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday 2nd March to offences under the Licensing Act 2003 for the sale of alcohol to a person under the age of 18.

He was fined £450, along with a £45 victim surcharge and £500 costs, totalling £995.

Solihull Council’s Trading Standards department were alerted to the situation and carried out test purchases at the shop which proved positive.

Prior to this conviction, Mr Mahal had received a wealth of advice and support from Solihull Council and West Midlands Police on how to comply with his licence conditions and the law.

His licence had also been reviewed by Solihull Council’s Licensing Committee.

Trading Standards investigate complaints about businesses alleged to have sold alcohol and other age restricted products to young people – and provide advice and guidance to traders who are trying to comply with this area of law.

If you suspect a business is selling alcohol or other age restricted products to children, or if you are a trader looking for advice, please call ‪03454 04 05 06‬.

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1624/Shop-owner-convicted-of-selling-alcohol-to-children