This followed from a Trading Standards investigation and prosecution by the Royal Borough. The case was brought against Powney Food and Wine Limited, trading as St Marks Food and Wine, 123 Powney Road, Maidenhead. The shop is owned by Mr Charan Singh Ahuja, aged 37, of Tollgate Drive, Hayes.
On 13 November 2023, St Marks Food & Wine sold a set of craft knives to a minor during a test purchasing operation, run by Trading Standards in conjunction with Thames Valley Police. The selling of knives to a minor is a serious offence and Mr Ajuha had previously received advice from Trading Standards about the law on age restricted products, both in writing and verbally.
Mr Ahuja pleaded guilty to the offence on behalf of himself and of the company at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 16 August 2024.
Kevin McDaniel, Executive Director of Adult Services, Health and Communities, said: “I’d like to commend the work of our Trading Standards team in delivering this successful prosecution and helping to keep our borough safe.
“The sale of knives to children is completely unacceptable and this prosecution should be a warning to other shops in the area as to what will happen if they do not comply with the law.”
If you suspect a retailer is selling illegal products or selling age restricted products to underage customers, you can let the Trading Standards team know via email at Trading.Standards@RBWM.gov.uk