Solihull shops sold alcohol under-18s in council sting operation

Two shops in north Solihull have been caught selling alcohol to under-18s in a sting operation by the council.

Tiwana Supermarket in Chelmsley Wood and Tanda’s Local in Kingshurst were both busted in August for selling vapes and alcohol to minors.

Members of Solihull Council heard reports that a child had been admitted to hospital in August after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol purchased from Tiwana Supermarket. The 15-year-old boy had reportedly been able to buy two bottles of vodka and a bottle of Sourz.

Trading Standards visited the shop three times after this allegation to discuss the sale of alcohol to children with staff. The following month, officers sent two minors into the store to test purchase four cans of Strongbow Dark Fruit cider, which they were able to do unchallenged.

At a council meeting last week, the licence holder at Tiwana’s said measures were being taken including Challenge 25 training and improved CCTV. The shop was allowed to remain open providing these two issues were addressed quickly and to the council’s satisfaction.

Officers said they would continue to conduct test purchases over the next year. Alcohol sales at the shop on Alder Road were halted until measures are put in place.

Over in Kingshurst, councillors were again concerned at reports of an 11-year-old being able to buy a vape from Tanda’s Local in September. They said it was ‘very disappointing’ that two 17-year-old female volunteers had been able to buy a four-pack of Strongbow Dark Fruit cider a month later on behalf of Trading Standards.

At the same council meeting last week, the shop on Silver Birch Road said it had arranged Challenge 25 training for all staff members and made improvements to CCTV. Authorities saw these as ‘major improvements’ and the shop has been allowed to stay open.

Similarly to Tiwana Supermarket, Trading Standards have been allowed to conduct more alcohol stings at Tanda’s over the next 12 months.