In an operation conducted by Hillingdon Council, two off licences in the area have been fined for Selling Alcohol to underage customers.

The licence holders and shop assistants of Shree News in Salisbury Road, Eastcote, and Hillingdon News & Booze on Ryefield Avenue were caught in the act during test purchases by plain-clothed officers from the council’s trading standards team.

Vipulbhai Patel, the licence holder of Shree News, pleaded guilty to selling alcohol to a minor, while sales assistant Umesh Patel was found guilty in absentia for the same offence. They were fined £293 and £440, respectively, along with additional charges and prosecution costs.

Similarly, Sadruddin Rupani, the licence holder of Hillingdon News & Booze, and shop assistant Phillip Clarke admitted to the offence through a plea by post. They were ordered to pay fines of £293 each, along with surcharges and prosecution costs.

During the hearings, the court learned that the council had conducted test purchases on June 28 using a 16-year-old shopper. In both instances, a bottle of alcoholic drink was sold to the minor without verifying their age or requesting identification.

Cllr Eddie Lavery, the Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We’re committed to creating strong and safe communities where people can expect honesty and integrity from their local businesses and where young people can be protected from harm.

“Licence holders in our borough, and those under their charge, will always be expected to uphold the law and work to expected requirements. It’s disappointing that these stores have fallen below the level we’d like, but this great work by our trading standards team highlights an ongoing issue we’re determined to stamp out.”

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