SHOPS have been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after being prosecuted by Islington Council for illegally selling knives to young people.
Council Trading Standards officers, supported by Islington Police, carried out test purchases in eight shops in Islington on 8 July 2008.
Four of the shops sold knives to 15-year-old volunteers, despite the age limit being 18. All have now been prosecuted, with a total of £6450.30 in fines and costs for shops and owners.
Cllr Terry Stacy, Islington Council's Executive Member for Public Protection and Community Safety, said: "It was very disappointing that these shops sold knives to young people and we took firm action, which is what our residents expect.
"Although these fines send out a strong message, the potential seriousness of these offences goes far beyond money. A knife in the wrong hands is deadly.
"Most shops in Islington are very good, and I'm pleased that in December eight shops were tested and all asked for ID.
"We will prosecute if shops sell knives to youngsters, and we'll keep working with police to tackle knife crime and keep weapons off the streets."
Chief Inspector Jane Johnson from Islington Police said: "Preventing youth violence is our number one concern and we will do everything in our power to stop knives getting into the wrong hands.
"It is worrying to know that anyone would sell knives to someone who is under 18.
"These prosecutions should act as a powerful reminder to local businesses that this is unacceptable."
Because it's difficult to judge children's ages, the council's Trading Standards officers and police recommend shops adopt Challenge 21 - asking for genuine identification such as passports from anyone who looks under 21.
Shops in Islington have been given advice packs from the Trading Standards team on how to prevent underage sales and avoid any risk of prosecution.
For business advice or to report a shop suspected of selling knives illegally call Islington Council's Trading Standards on 020 7527 4038.
Page Last Updated: 12 June 2009