A convenience store in Kilburn has been fined after it illegally sold two cans of Strongbow cider to a boy of just 14 who was with his 12-year-old friend.

Staff in Nisa Local in Kilburn High Road, failed to ask the boys their age when they bought the cans as part of a sting operation by officers from Brent Council Trading Standards.

Champers Retail Ltd, the company that owns the store, and its director Kilesh Patel, were ordered to pay a total of £1,473.80 at Willesden Magistrates Court.

The conviction is the third case in two months of stores selling alcohol to under 18s.

In one case a shop worker said he thought a 12-year-old girl was an adult because she was wearing nail varnish.

Cllr James Denselow, Brent Council’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “I hope that the outcome of this case serves to remind businesses that failure to properly carry out their duties as a responsible alcohol retailer is an issue Brent Council takes very seriously and will always result in action being taken.”

If you have concerns of shops selling alcohol to children call 03454 04 05 06.