October 9, 2019 11.50 am This story is over 60 months old

Lincoln shop caught selling cigarettes to kids

Trading Standards targeted the shop for an undercover sting

A Lincoln corner shop was caught selling cigarettes to children.

Monks Road Snack Bar was chosen for an undercover sting after complaints from residents.

Sinan Karaaslan, the shop’s owner, was found guilty of selling cigarettes to a 17-year-old after a test purchase by Trading Standards in March 2019.

During the test, Karaaslan asked for ID, but when the young person was unable to produce any he sold the cigarettes anyway.

Trading Standards said that it had been trying to work with the shop’s owner for the past 16 months but he had ignored the advice.

Karaaslan was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £520 in costs.

Dan Brown, senior Trading Standards officer, said: “I was pleased to hear today that Mr Karaaslan has said he’s not going to sell cigarettes anymore.

“Trading Standards take the sale of tobacco products to children extremely seriously and this prosecution should serve to remind retailers of their legal responsibilities.”

Anyone who suspects that a shop is selling prohibited items to children is being urged to contact Citizens Advice Service on 0345 404 0506.