A Hackney trader and a former employee of a supermarket in Hackney were both prosecuted for selling alcohol to underage teenagers on Friday 28 March 2008, at Thames Magistrates Court.

Mr Anandarahah Bremakumar, owner of Londis Supermarket, 56 Hemsworth Street, London N1 was fined £450 plus £450 costs, for selling alcohol to a 15 year old on 28 February 2007.

Mr Halis Sagir of 2 Elizabeth Blackwell House, Progress Way, London, N22, a former employee of Clissold Supermarket, 152 Green Lanes, N16 9DL attended court and pleaded guilty to selling alcohol to another 15 year old on 5 June 2007. The court imposed a fine of £200 and ordered Mr Sagir to pay £200 costs.

Fiona Fletcher Smith, Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration at Hackney Council said: “Our Trading Standards officers, in partnership with the police carry out regular operations to catch unscrupulous traders who sell alcohol and other age restricted products to children under 18.

“The prevention and detection work carried out by officers of sales of under age products plays an important role in protecting the health of young children and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough.”

Traders who need advice about underage sales can call Hackney Trading Standards on 020 8356 4929.