WInTer 2016 PoSITIVE InTERVEnTIonS problem trader makes good Find out how one shop owner turned his livelihood around, thanks to the intervention of Trading Standards When Trading Standards officers and the police took action against a trader for selling tobacco and alcohol to young people, the family business faced closure. But the threat of losing his livelihood forced the business owner to take action, and with support from Trading Standards about the law and best practice he went from being a problem trader to a community champion. Gurdeep Bali was the owner and designated premises supervisor of Hilltop Wines. While the business was under his management, the shop was a problem it was caught selling tobacco and alcohol to young people, and had various issues with the police. Gurdeep Balis alcohol licence was subsequently revoked after representations from Trading Standards and the police. As a result of losing his licence, the business went into decline and was on the verge of closing. The situation prompted his father, des Bali, to come out of retirement in an attempt to rejuvenate the business, and he applied for a new alcohol licence. However, Trading Standards and the police objected to this request because of concerns that Gurdeep Bali would still be involved in the business. At the hearing, the licensing panel echoed these concerns and rejected the application. Through his solicitor, des Bali offered to take some positive steps by adding additional conditions to his licence, including restricting Gurdeep Bali from serving alcohol. He was later granted a new alcohol licence, with a firm warning from the licensing committee that his business would be classified as high risk, so would be subject to stricter monitoring including undercover test-purchase operations by Trading Standards checking for underage sales of alcohol and tobacco. Testing times The shop was a problem it was caught selling tobacco and alcohol to youngpeople Credit: Toan nguyen Images: SpeedKingz / Roy Mullis / Shutterstock At the request of the business, Trading Standards provided all the necessary advice and assistance, including staff training around the law and best practice on preventing underage sales. over the course of two years, the business was subjected to three test purchases and two inspections, and on each occasion it complied with the law. on a recent visit to the shop, des Bali said that the experience of almost losing his business and, ultimately, his livelihood had made him change as a person. He is now married and has recently become a father. He realises his past mistakes and is now fully aware of the dangers of underage drinking and smoking. Gurdeep Bali took part in a dVd, produced by Trading Standards, championing the message that underage sales of alcohol and tobacco can have a devastating impact on young peoples lives, communities and businesses. Working in partnership with our local Trading Standards department has helped our business thrive and be prosperous, he said. They have been invaluable in helping us to ensure the shop is compliant with legislation, which is essential in building up a good reputation within the local community. For further information please contact your local Trading Standards Service