Shop in Staple Hill prosecuted for underage tobacco sales

A store in Staple Hill has been prosecuted by South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards after the owner was convicted of selling tobacco products to under 18s.

Mr Kawan Fakhradn, formerly of Village Mini Market, High Street, Staple Hill was found guilty by North Avon Magistrates on Monday (25 February). Mr Fakhradn has now ceased trading in the area and was found guilty in his absence.

Trading Standards officers conducted an underage tobacco test purchase check on 22 September last year, where two 16 year old volunteers were able to buy hand rolling tobacco which came with cigarette papers from the business owner Mr Fakhradn, without being challenged or asked for identification. Mr Fakhradn was ordered to pay a fine of £400 plus costs of £1,095.34 and a £15 victim surcharge.

It is an offence under the Children & Young Persons Act 1933 for any person to sell tobacco or cigarette papers to a person under the age of 18 years. The maximum penalty is a fine of up to £2,500.

Ten premises within South Gloucestershire were visited that day and Mr Fakhradn was the only retailer who sold tobacco to the underage volunteers.