Dealing with Underage Drinking in Rhondda Cynon Taff
February 22, 2008
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council have welcomed the successful prosecution of a Clydach Vale shopkeeper.
Surjit Singh of Harry General Store in Wern Street was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act 2003 following a Rhondda Cynon Taf Trading Standards operation.
A 16-year-old female volunteer was sold a bottle of alcopops by a staff member at Singh’s shop in March 2007.
As the license holder, he was prosecuted and admitted the offence at Rhondda Magistrate’s Court on February 8, leading to him being fined £300, ordered to pay costs of £378 and a victim’s surcharge of £15. The Licensing Committee will also be informed of the offence.
Mr Singh told the court he was not in the shop when the sale was made and the staff member who served the girl had been reprimande.
Cllr Paul Cannon, Joint Chair of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership, said: “Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, as the Licensing Authority, keeps a close eye on premises and will take action where necessary if offences are committed.”
Inspector Richard Erskine, Head of Community Safety for South Wales Police in Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “The misuse of alcohol by young persons is a priority for South Wales Police, people who support this habit will always attract the full attention of the law. We fully support our partners in all enforcement action in this area.”
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