Pubs warned after underage booze fine

 

Pubs in the Welshpool area are being warned that they will be prosecuted if they sell alcohol to an underage person, following a rare prosecution in the county.

Powys County Council's Trading Standards Service has issued the warning after they prosecuted a pub landlord and said it will step up its sting operations locally.

David Andrew Collins of the Black Lion, Rhayader was found guilty of two offences under the Licensing Act 2003 for selling alcohol to an individual under the age of 18.  The court fined him £350 for each offence and he was ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Cllr Geraint Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulation, said: "Tackling the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 is an important area of work for Trading Standards.  For a number of years, we have carried out test purchase exercises on traders to establish whether they will sell alcohol to those under age.

"Alcohol is an age restricted product for a genuine reason - the implications for a young person's health, welfare and general development cannot be ignored.  For this reason, we will continue with our test purchase exercises and have a range of enforcement options available if anyone is caught, including prosecution."

The service is also reminding businesses that sell or supply alcohol that they must have in place an age verification policy for their premises.

 

Ken Yorston, the council's Trading Standards Manager, said: "The majority of retailers take their responsibilities seriously when it comes to selling alcohol.  However, there are some retailers that continue act in an irresponsible manner by selling alcohol to under age people.

"Many businesses have adopted a 'Challenge 25' approach and request staff to verify ages of most young people. Free validate cards for anyone over 18 years of age are still being offered within the county by our service."