THE owner of an Ystrad Mynach off-licence was ordered to pay more than £1,300 after selling four cans of Strongbow to a 15-year-old.

Caerphilly council’s trading standards team organised a test purchase with the girl entering the TR Group Premier Stores, Bedwlwyn Street, and buying alcohol last November.

The shop’s owner Rashid Aziz, 38, appeared at Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court last week, where he was found guilty of selling alcohol to an under 18.

He was ordered to pay a fine of £800, together with prosecution costs of £425.10 and an £80 victim surcharge.

The employee who served the young person was dealt with immediately following the test purchase, and was issued with a penalty notice for disorder of £80.

During the case, Caerphilly Magistrates were told that Aziz had no proper systems in place to train staff and avoid the sale of alcohol to children.

Cllr David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services said: “I am pleased that the court has emphasised the seriousness of this offence in the fine. Mr Aziz must pay more than £1,300 for something which could so easily have been avoided had he taken his licensing responsibilities seriously.”

To report a premises selling alcohol to those under the age of 18 in Caerphilly, call trading standards on 01495 235 291.