Trading Law
A Positive Proactive Approach
Trading Law is so diverse and fast-evolving that we have to track constantly what the law-makers are doing and relate those changes to business needs. Local Authorities increasingly randomly carry out test purchases at Business premises for age-restricted items such as alcohol, knives, which could lead to anti-social behaviour.
For instance, an off-licence in West London was successfully prosecuted for sale of alcohol to a minor after the shop assistant failed to ask for the teenager’s ID and sold her a bottle of WKD Vodka. The fine imposed by the Magistrates’ Court was £1000 and costs of £850 were awarded for the Prosecuting Authority. We have also been involved in a case where a well-known supermarket nationally was prosecuted under the Trading Laws for selling goods at a different price at the till point to the price the goods were advertised at on the shelf, the store was fined £1000 after entering guilty plea.
At Vincent Buffoni & Co Solicitors, we will provide a fixed fee service to retailers to investigate any failed test purchases, to compile an investigation report and attend any interview. We take a proactive approach by advising clients in relation to the legality of point of sale material and enforcement notices. Should a matter not be resolved through mediation, we will defend prosecutions brought by the Local Authority.
