Store worker fined for buying alcohol
A supermarket employee is counting the cost of buying alcohol for underage girls.
The worker at Morrisons, Newark, was given an £80 fixed-penalty notice and is subject to internal disciplinary proceedings.
Police say they were called at about 6pm on Friday to the Slaughterhouse Lane store by management.
Inspector Steve Cartwright, of Newark Police, said: “The circumstances of the incident are that a staff member of Morrisons was going off duty when she was approached by some underage girls outside the store asking her to buy them alcohol.
“The employee went back into the store, purchased alcohol and then passed it to the underage girls. Another member of staff saw this and reported it to store managers.
“As a result, the member of staff was asked to remain while they called the police.
“The police attended and dealt with the incident by way of a fixed-penalty notice. The employee received an £80 fine and is now subject to the store’s own disciplinary procedures.”
Section 149 of the Licensing Act 2003 makes it an offence for a person to act as an agent for a child in purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol.
“The people of Newark have highlighted that drink-related anti-social behaviour is an issue that causes them concern and affects their quality of life,” Inspector Cartwright said.
“It is through positive action and partnership working as demonstrated above that we can reduce such behaviour.
“I am encouraged that Morrisons are taking the matter seriously and acted correctly and in a timely fashion.
“However, I am disappointed that some adults in Newark continue to purchase or supply alcohol for children. My team and I will take a tough stance on such behaviour.
“Adults need to be aware that if they purchase or supply alcohol for a child they commit offences.
“By supplying alcohol they are positively contributing to anti-social behaviour and damaging the health of the children and damaging our communities.
“As adults they have responsibilities and need to start meeting these responsibilities.”
A Morrisons spokesman said: “We take our responsibility with regard to selling alcohol very seriously and have procedures in place designed to ensure that we meet all legal requirements.
“We operate a TASK 25 Scheme which ensures that if we believe someone wishing to purchase alcohol is under the age of 25, they will be asked to provide recognised proof of age documentation.
“This includes people who are suspected of buying an age-restricted product for a minor or for someone who is unable to prove their age.
“We don’t comment on individual employee matters.”
