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Ref: 414-08 17th December 2008
Northwich Restaurant Owner Convicted Of Selling Alcohol To Under-18s
The owner of a Northwich restaurant has been convicted of selling alcohol to under-18s.
San Tai Diana Ho of the Slow Boat in Hartford admitted supplying alcohol to underage customers on two occasions when she appeared before Northwich Magistrates Court last Friday (December 12).
Cheshire Trading Standards launched an investigation following a complaint concerning a 16-year-old boy who was able to buy 11 bottles of beer with two portions of fried rice via the restaurant’s delivery service.
After consuming the alcohol he required hospital treatment.
Trading Standards officers set up a test purchasing operation with the assistance of two 15-year-old girls who made a telephone order for 10 bottles of beer and one meal.
The goods were delivered directly to one of the underage volunteers. At no point was either girl asked for ID or proof of age.
San Tai Diana Ho, of Old Rectory Green, Sefton, Liverpool, was ordered to pay fines and costs in excess of £2,000 and was banned from selling alcohol for six months.
Christopher Brandon, of Wright Avenue, Rudheath, Northwich, a delivery driver for the Slow Boat who handed over the alcohol to the 15-year-old girl, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £100 towards prosecution costs.
Trading Standards County Manager Vanessa Griffiths said: “It is extremely disappointing when those involved in the sale of alcohol fail to take their responsibilities seriously.
“These sales could easily have been avoided by taking the simple precaution of asking the purchasers for a recognised form of photo ID giving proof of age.”
Trading Standards is working with retailers across Cheshire in areas identified as ‘hot spots’ for alcohol-related youth nuisance to ensure they do not supply alcohol to underage customers.
Test purchasing carried out with under-age volunteers has produced positive results overall, with more than 90% of retailers refusing to sell alcohol to under-18s.
Anyone with concerns about a business possibly selling alcohol or cigarettes to underage customers can contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
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RN/CD
Notes to Editors: For Further Information Please Contact Trading Standards Investigations Manager Andrew Rees On 01244 973971. |