Two Gateshead businessmen face fines exceeding £1,000 for selling alcohol to minors, following a test purchase by trading standards.
A 16-year-old volunteer tried to buy drinks at their shops. At Nixon’s Go Local, they sold fruit cider. At Lifestyle Express, they sold an alcopop.
Nixon owns Go Local through Envasantham Ltd. Gupta is linked to Lifestyle Express via Winlatonmillconvenience Ltd. Both men were fined personally and for their businesses.
Trading standards found that neither shop had proper training to prevent underage sales. The cases were heard at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, where both men pleaded guilty.
Nixon admitted fault and promised to improve training. His business was fined £400, plus costs. He personally faced a £192 fine.
Gupta has stepped down from his business. Winlatonmillconvenience Ltd was fined £250, with costs. Gupta was fined £128.
Councillor Gary Haley emphasized the importance of age restrictions for public safety. He praised trading standards for their efforts in these cases.
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