Lambeth off-licence bosses sentenced for selling alcohol to a 15-year-old

2 July 2019

Written by: Lambeth Council

News and announcements

The owner and supervisor of an off-licence in Streatham have been fined thousands of pounds for selling a bottle of wine to a 15 year old, during a test purchase operation organised by Lambeth Council. They were also convicted of offering high-strength beer for sale in breach of its licence conditions.

Main post content

Mohammed Ayub, the premises licence holder of Drinks Store, on Streatham Hill, was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £2,777.50, on 26 June at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court.

Yasir Noor Rajput, the designated premises supervisor, was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £2,210.50. In addition, Mr Noor Rajput is required to undertake 240 hours of unpaid work.

The men had pleaded guilty to the offences at a previous hearing.

Word from the cabinet

Cllr Paul Gadsby, Cabinet member for housing, with responsibility for Licensing, said: “Selling alcohol to minors and offering for sale high-strength alcohol, which is often associated with anti-social behaviour and street drinking, is totally unacceptable in Lambeth.

“As a result of these breaches, the Licensing Sub-Committee had already revoked the business’s licence and these fines reflect the seriousness within which the Courts also view these offences.

“Businesses selling alcohol in Lambeth need to take note – Lambeth takes seriously its role as a licensing authority and expects the same of businesses supplying alcohol in the borough.”

The 15-year-old test purchaser was working undercover for Trading Standards in a supervised operation to test the compliance of Lambeth’s alcohol vendors.

After the sale, which took place in August last year, the store was inspected by officers who found quantities of high-strength alcohol on offer for sale – which was in breach of the premises licence conditions.

If you are concerned about the conduct of a licenced premises you can let us know on tradingstandards@lambeth.gov.uk or licensing@lambeth.gov.uk.