SELLING fireworks to a 14-year-old working on an undercover sting has cost a firm of newsagents £2,800.
United News, of Marshall Avenue, Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough, sold two boxes of fireworks to a 14-year-old only two days after staff were given advice by Middlesbrough Council officials on the sale of fireworks.
Teesside magistrates heard that the firm had co-operated fully with trading standards officers and bosses had taken a decision not to sell fireworks again following the offence, which occurred in the run-up to Bonfire Night last year.
The 14-year-old had been sent into the shop by Middlesbrough council trading standards officers.
The firm was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £800 costs.
Councillor Barry Coppinger, the executive member for community protection at Middlesbrough Council, said: "Our officers give a lot of advice and guidance to retailers on the legal sale of fireworks every year.
"We will not hesitate to prosecute any retailer who we find has sold fireworks to underage customers. That also goes for other age-related products such as alcohol and petrol."
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