Bristol shopkeeper fined for selling tobacco to kids

A Bristol shopkeeper has been fined for selling ciagarettes to children.

Mr Sumtharanlingan Thamilmaran of Slade News, St Johns Lane, was fined £392 and £500 costs for on charges of selling tobacco to a minor and failing to display a warning notice regarding the sale of tobacco to a minor.

The shopkeeper was caught out by Bristol City Council’s Trading Standards officers during an operation to clamp down on illegal sales to youngsters.

Mr Sumtharanlingan Thamilmaran sold a packet of cigarettes to a volunteer on the scheme aged just 15.

Bristol City Council’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, Robin Whittle said: “Selling cigarettes to children is a serious offence clearly demonstrated by these convictions. We want retailers to take note that Bristol City Council will take every action to combat it.”