Halesworth Store Handed Alcohol Ban

Suffolk Trading Standards has banned a premises in Halesworth from selling alcohol for the Valentines weekend, after the discovery of multiple sales to minors.

Halesworth Local, on Market Place, was investigated following reports of alcohol being sold to people under 18 years old, with a spot check confirming this to be the case.

The shop owner received a written warning from Suffolk Trading Standards, who provided guidance and advice on age-restricted products to support the business. Officers caught Halesworth Local making underage sales again, leading to the issue of a closure notice, banning the shop from selling alcohol to anyone for 48 hours.

The closure notice runs from midday Friday 14th February until midday Sunday 16th February, with random checks made during this time to ensure that the sanction is adhered to.

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public health and public protection, added:

“The sale of alcohol is regulated with good reason, with laws in place to look after young people who are more likely to become seriously ill from drinking and risk permanent liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption.

“Underage drinking is also shown to increase anti-social behaviour, making this far from a victimless crime.

“I welcome the continued work of Trading Standards to protect Suffolk’s communities and the health of our future generation.”

Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said “Suffolk Trading Standards will always look to work with businesses to help them comply with legislation in the first instance; however, we cannot turn a blind eye to someone breaking the law repeatedly.

“Claiming that someone appears to be 18 is not a valid excuse, as all premises should ask for ID if they believe that someone is under the age of 25.

“Preventing Halesworth Local from selling alcohol over this weekend will hopefully act as a deterrent to other shops in Suffolk who may be tempted to make underage sales without realising the consequences.”

Since the involvement of Suffolk Trading Standards, the owner of Halesworth Local has pledged to tighten up on alcohol sales and offered assurances that staff will receive further training to avoid any future breaches.

Anyone who suspects the sale of age-restricted products, such as alcohol and tobacco, to those who are under 18 years old can report this in confidence to Suffolk Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.