Underage alcohol sales prompt ban for business

Premier Store, on Reynolds Road, was investigated following reports of alcohol being sold to people under 18 years old, with a spot check confirming this to be the case.

The shop owner received a written warning from Suffolk Trading Standards, who provided guidance and advice on age-restricted products to support the business

Officers caught Premier Store making underage sales again, leading to the issue of a closure notice, banning the shop from selling alcohol to anyone for 48 hours.

The closure notice will last from 9 am on Saturday 3 December until 9 am on Monday 5 December, with random checks made during this time to ensure that the sanction is adhered to.

Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, commented on the notice:

“Suffolk Trading Standards will always work with businesses to help them comply with legislation in the first instance; however, we cannot turn a blind eye to someone breaking the law repeatedly.

“Claiming that someone appears to be 18 is not a valid excuse, as all premises should ask for ID if they believe that someone is under the age of 25.

“Preventing Premier Store from selling alcohol over this weekend will hopefully act as a serious deterrent to other shops in Suffolk who may be tempted to make underage sales without realising the consequences.”

Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, added:

“The sale of alcohol is regulated with good reason, with laws in place to look after young people who are more likely to become seriously ill from drinking and risk permanent liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption.

“Underage drinking is also shown to increase anti-social behaviour, making this far from a victimless crime.

“I welcome the continued work of Trading Standards to protect Suffolk’s communities and the health of our future generation.”

Since the involvement of Suffolk Trading Standards, the owner of Premier Store has pledged to tighten up on alcohol sales and offered assurances that staff will receive further training to avoid any future breaches.

Anyone who suspects the sale of age-restricted products, such as alcohol and tobacco, to those who are under 18 years old can report this in confidence to Suffolk Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.