Merton Council has secured a successful conviction after catching red handed Sami Khan of Mitcham selling cigarettes to a 14-year old.

As part of the council’s regular enforcement programme, school children work with council officers to stamp out illegal sales of goods to children. In this case, Mr Khan, who works in Nisa Stores, at 288 London Road, Mitcham, sold the cigarettes without asking for the boy’s age.

On Ice Limited and Sami Khan both failed to appear at court to answer the allegations against them. Once found guilty of the offences, On Ice Ltd was fined £800 for the illegal sale of cigarettes and £100 for failing to display a sign warning minors not to attempt to buy cigarettes and alcohol. The company was also ordered to pay £765 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge, totalling £1,680.

Mr Khan was fined £350 for selling the cigarettes and ordered to pay costs of £200 plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Merton Council cabinet member for environment and leisure services, Councillor David Simpson said: “This case should serve as a warning to businesses in Merton that we are constantly on the look out for illegal sales and we will take action against anyone we catch in the act. Taking the risk is therefore simply not worth it. If businesses are in any doubt as to the age of the customer, far better to be safe than sorry. Our enforcement programme is all part of the council’s work to put the needs of local residents first by ensuring the borough remains a safe and secure place to live.”

Further information: http://www.merton.gov.uk/underagesales

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