A Leicester cash and carry has been fined £10,000 after repeatedly failing checks designed to stop knives being sold to children, raising concerns about retailer compliance amid ongoing efforts to tackle knife crime.
Kooners Cash & Carry Ltd, based on St Saviours Road, appeared at Leicester Magistrates Court last week after admitting offences relating to the sale of a knife to a child. The company pleaded guilty to breaches of section 141a of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 following a failed test purchase.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Test purchasing operations are carried out by Trading Standards to ensure businesses follow the law on age-restricted products. During these checks, a young person — often supported by police — attempts to buy a knife. Any completed sale constitutes a criminal offence.
The court heard that Kooners Cash & Carry failed three separate test purchases over a four-year period, despite having previously received advice and guidance on age-verification requirements.
Magistrates fined the company £6,000 and ordered it to pay £2,000 in prosecution costs, along with a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Ronald Ruddock, Trading Standards manager at Leicester City Council, said the case highlighted the importance of retailers taking age-restriction laws seriously.
“Failure to comply with age-verification laws can result in significant penalties,” he said. “Ensuring compliance is not complicated and not only avoids these consequences, but also promotes responsible retailing and community safety.”
Mr Ruddock added that both businesses and individual staff members can be held legally responsible for unlawful sales, and said it was “disappointing” that further offences occurred after previous guidance had been issued.
Leicester Trading Standards works closely with Leicestershire Police to carry out regular enforcement activity under Operation Sceptre, a national initiative aimed at reducing knife crime and limiting access to bladed items.
Over the past year, Trading Standards officers in Leicester have issued 11 formal warning notices to businesses found to be non-compliant, alongside 32 letters offering good-practice guidance. Enforcement visits are carried out at both large retailers and smaller local outlets.
Council officers say continued checks will remain a priority as part of wider efforts to protect young people and prevent knives from falling into the wrong hands.
