Alum Rock Store Faces License Review After Selling WKD Blue to Underage Teen
A convenience store in Birmingham's Alum Rock area is facing severe repercussions after being caught selling alcohol to an underage teenager during a covert trading standards operation. The 7 Star Food and Wine shop on Glenpark Road failed to challenge a 16-year-old girl who purchased a bottle of WKD Blue, despite displaying a 'No ID no sale' sign prominently.
Undercover Operation Exposes Licensing Failures
In January, Birmingham Trading Standards orchestrated a targeted visit using twin teenagers—a boy and a girl—to test the shop's compliance with age-restricted sales regulations. At approximately 11 a.m. on January 2, enforcement officer Paul Ellson entered the premises, where a male shopworker was stationed behind the till.
The two 16-year-olds then selected a bottle of WKD Blue and proceeded to the checkout. The girl successfully completed the purchase without being asked for any form of identification, a clear violation of legal requirements. Following the transaction, the teenagers exited the shop alongside the trading standards officer.
Multiple Compliance Issues Uncovered
Upon returning to the store, Mr. Ellson and a colleague informed the shopworker of the test sale. The employee identified the business owner as Amjeet Singh, who holds both the premises licence and designated premises supervisor roles. However, critical shortcomings were immediately apparent.
The shopworker could not produce a 'refusals register' documenting instances where underage individuals were denied alcohol purchases, though Trading Standards noted that the till prompt system appeared functional. More alarmingly, the employee lacked a personal licence to sell alcohol, and no other staff member present possessed one either.
A formal trader's notice was issued, explicitly stating that selling alcohol to minors constitutes a criminal offence. This incident has triggered an application by Trading Standards to Birmingham City Council's licensing department, seeking a review of the shop's premises licence on grounds of 'protection of children from harm.'
History of Concerns and Previous Warnings
This is not the first time the 7 Star Food and Wine shop has attracted regulatory scrutiny. In June 2023, Trading Standards received a complaint alleging that the establishment was selling vapes and cigarettes to children wearing school uniforms. A subsequent visit resulted in a formal warning against selling age-restricted products to minors, with explicit instructions on implementing proper procedures to prevent such sales.
The recurrence of similar issues has amplified concerns about the shop's operational standards and commitment to legal compliance.
Official Response and Recommended Actions
Martin Williams, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures for Birmingham Trading Standards, expressed significant concerns regarding the incident. "There is a concern the person who sold the alcohol had no personal licence and so was not as well trained as he could have been," Williams stated.
He emphasized the shop's role as "a busy neighbourhood shop in a residential street occupying a trusted position within a local community," underscoring the heightened responsibility this entails. Trading Standards is advocating for substantial corrective measures, including at least a temporary suspension of the licence to facilitate comprehensive staff training.
"Trading Standards would wish that at least a period of suspension of the licence for all staff serving to be trained better, preferably obtaining personal alcohol licences," Williams explained. "And procedures improved to avoid sales of alcohol, as well as all other age-restricted products they sell, is likely the minimum recommendation."
Pending Decision by Licensing Authorities
The final outcome now rests with Birmingham City Council's licensing committee, which will convene to review the case and determine appropriate sanctions. The date for this crucial hearing has yet to be confirmed, but the decision will have significant implications for the shop's future operations and serve as a stark reminder to all retailers of their legal obligations regarding age-restricted sales.
