A Rhymney trader has been prosecuted for selling alcohol to children.
Karen Harris who runs Spike’s Shop in Brynteg Crescent, Rhymney was prosecuted after allowing the sale of a 70cl bottle of cherry flavoured vodka drink to a 15-year-old girl, during a test purchase by Trading Standards.
Harris did not attend the recent hearing at Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court and the case was proven in her absence. She was ordered to pay a £525 fine, together with a £15 victim surcharge, £85 legal prosecution costs and £257.45 investigative prosecution costs.
Councillor Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for the environment said: “Allowing alcohol to get into the hands of our youngsters is completely irresponsible and our Trading Standards officers are committed to tackling the sale of age restricted items in Caerphilly county borough.
“I am pleased that the court has reflected the seriousness of the offence in the fine it has imposed.”