Hounslow shopkeeper fined £3,000 for underage cigarette sale

Both the shop owner and the worker who sold the cigarettes pleaded guilty to the offence at Brentford Magistrates Court last month and the shop was fined £1700 and ordered to pay costs of £1,389.

Charanjit Singh, the worker who sold the cigarettes was also fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 costs.

Cllr Barbara Reid, lead member for environment at the council, said: "I'm very concerned that there are still shops selling cigarettes to young people, who were obviously underage, without asking them to verify their ages.

"This case shows we take this issue seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law. Retailers should be asking young customers for identification so young people know that no ID means no sale."

Cheryl Lang who has repeatedly made complaints about her 15-year-old daughter buying cigarettes in Chiswick, welcomed the prosecution but said too many small newsagents were still flouting the law.

"Our kids are becoming lifelong addicts and these shopkeepers just don't care," said the mum-of-three, from Acton.

"I'd like to see a 'three strikes' system where the owners know they will lose their license if they get caught selling to kids three times."

Residents who are aware of shops that sell products such as cigarettes, alcohol and knives to underage shoppers should email tradingstandards@hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 5555.