A Suffolk shop owner has pleaded guilty to selling alcohol to underage people after being caught twice within three months.

Ali Arslan of AB’s Mini Market on Queensway in Haverhill appeared at Bury St Edmunds Magistrates’ Court today as he had continued to sell alcohol to young people despite warnings and interventions by Suffolk Trading Standards.

Mr Arslan was fined £500, ordered to pay £750 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

The shopkeeper received a written warning and a number of advice letters with information on how to prevent underage sales of alcohol.

The business was also visited on two separate occasions last year in order to provide face-to-face advice on the matter.

Haverhill is an area of Suffolk which has experienced significant issues relating to underage drinking and anti-social behaviour over the past 18 months.

In 2014, Ipswich Magistrates found Metro Express (Haverhill) Ltd guilty of persistently selling alcohol from Your Store in Apple Acre Road, Haverhill to under 18s. It was fined over £15,000.

Councillor Colin Spence, cabinet member for public protection said: “Retailers know the law and know they need to check ID on anyone who, in their opinion, looks under 18 years of age.

“Mr Arslan, did not do so. This case should serve as a warning to shopkeepers that Suffolk Trading Standards will take robust action against those that flout the law.”

Anyone with information about illegal sales of age-restricted products can inform Trading Standards by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.