An off-licence in Colindale has been fined after a worker sold a can of beer to a girl aged 13 who was with her 12-year-old friend.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The shop sold this can of beer to a 13-year-old girl (Pic credit: Brent Council)The shop sold this can of beer to a 13-year-old girl (Pic credit: Brent Council) (Image: Archant)

Maxy Roexport Ltd, trading as the Food 4 Less off-licence were caught out in a sting carried out by Brent Council to weed out irresponsible traders.

Willesden Magistrates Court the worker failed to ask the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, how old she was nor was she asked for proof of her age

Brent & Kilburn Times: The shop has a selection of soft drinks and alcohol for sale (Pic credit: Brent Council)The shop has a selection of soft drinks and alcohol for sale (Pic credit: Brent Council) (Image: Archant)

Trading standards officers, who were waiting nearby, witnessed the incident and prosecuted the owners of the shop.

Yesterday the company was ordered to pay £1,500, a victim surcharge of £120 and £800 in court costs, totalling £2,420.

Cllr James Denselow, Brent Council’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “While it was only one can of beer that was sold to an underage girl, it does not take away from the seriousness and severity of this offence.”

If you suspect a shop is selling alcohol to under 18s you can call Simon Legg on 03454 04 05 06.