A shopkeeper in Greenwich has been prosecuted for selling alcohol to children.

Nirpesh Shrestha, the owner of Jash News and Off Licence in Woolwich, has been fined more than £1,000 after selling to two teenagers in April this year.

In a covert operation by Trading Standards, a 16-year-old and 13-year-old were able to purchase a 700ml bottle of WKD Blue.

The case was heard on October 29 at Bexley Magistrates' Court where Shrestha pleaded guilty to two charges and was fined a total of £1,040.

He was fined £200 for selling alcohol to an underage person, £400 for failing to label alcohol at his premises and ordered to pay £400 costs and £40 victim surcharge.

Shrestha was warned by the court he could lose his licence if he failed to observe the law.

Cllr Jackie Smith, Greenwich cabinet member for community safety and integrated enforcement, said: “Traders have a duty of care to young people and should ensure that they are vigilant and ask for proof of identity.

"We commend our Trading Standards officers for their continuing work on this issue. Prosecutions like this will drive home the repercussions of selling to minors, especially the potential risk to traders of losing their licence.

“The council already issues guidance to businesses and we would encourage all those selling alcohol to make themselves aware of their responsibilities.”