Shops face punishment for underage sales

Beer bottle and glass of beer

Eleven shops in Middleton have received penalties for selling alcohol to children.

Rochdale Borough Council has taken action against the retail outlets including Co-op, Iceland, Spar and Tesco, after they were caught in an under cover investigation.

In hearings before Rochdale Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee, these retailers have had their alcohol licences revoked or suspended, or have had conditions imposed on their licences (however, in some cases the conditions were voluntarily agreed with Council officers without going to a formal hearing).

These conditions must be adhered to, or the stores face further penalties under licensing legislation.

In all cases, unpaid volunteers under 18 years old were able to buy alcohol from the premises during a routine test purchase exercise, carried out by Trading Standards Officers back in October 2008.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Trading Standards staff work tirelessly to make sure retailers are trading responsibly and any found not to be should expect to face the consequences of their actions.

“So many successful outcomes from the alcohol reviews over the last three months are the result of a lot of hard work and it sends out a powerful message that selling alcohol to underage customers will not be tolerated.”

Ted Flynn, cabinet member for community safety at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “The work carried out by Trading Standards is crucial in helping us to curb underage drinking in the borough. I fully support the council’s tough action on irresponsible trading in the borough.”

• Co-op, Kenyon Lane - 3 month suspension and conditions imposed
• Co-op, Kirkway - 2 week suspension and conditions imposed
• Iceland – Middleton Arndale - Conditions agreed
• Corner Shop, Baytree Lane - Revoked
• Spar, Stanycliffe Lane - Conditions agreed
• S and D, The Downs - Designated Premises Supervisor removed. One month suspension and conditions imposed
• Zak’s, Hollin Lane - Designated Premises Supervisor removed - Conditions imposed
• Tesco, Middleton Arndale - One month suspension and conditions attached
• Tesco Express, Kirkway - Two months suspension and conditions imposed
• Chocolate Box, Oldham Road - Designated Premises Supervisor removed - Conditions imposed
• Chapel Walk Convenience Store, Chapel Street - Conditions imposed