A worker at a Leigh off-licence has been fined nearly £300 after admitting selling alcohol to a 15 year-old.
Harshad Varsani was caught as part of a ‘sting’ operation by Wigan Council’s Trading Standards as part of its ongoing battle against underage sales in the borough.
Varsani who is the premises supervisor at the Costcutter Store on Holden Road, Leigh, admitted selling alcohol to a person under 18 when facing Wigan Magistrates last Thursday (September 25).
The bench heard that the offence took place in February this year when the 15 year-old volunteer who was working with the Trading Standards team, went into the shop and was served with a bottle of WKD Original Vodka Blue.
Varsani was fined £290 with £500 costs plus a £15 victim surcharge.
Wigan Council’s Chief Trading Standards Officer Julie Middlehurst says:
“We are pleased with the outcome of this case because we believe it sends out a strong message to others. If you sell alcohol to children you are likely to be caught and as this case shows, you will be dealt with by the courts.
“We believe everyone has a part to play in tackling the problems caused by underage drinking and we would prefer to work alongside the borough’s licensed trade to combat this.
“However as this case shows, we are more than prepared to take action against those who do not play by the rules.”
