A READING woman has been prosecuted for selling alcohol to under-age festival-goers.
Itajaci De Rouese, 57, of Quadrant Court, Reading, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 14.
Ms De Rouese was given a conditional discharge of 12 months and was ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £22 victim surcharge.
On Thursday, August 26, 2021, she was approached by council officers and given a warning that she should not sell items, including alcohol, as she was not licensed or authorised to do so.
The following day, Friday, August 27, she sold two cans of cider to a test purchaser who was 17 years old.
Charges against Ms De Rouese included exposing alcohol for unauthorised sale, in breach of the Licensing Act 2003.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:
“It is absolutely no surprise that some people will try to cash in on the large crowds which come to the Reading Festival every year, but they need to know that our licensing officers will also be out on the ground protecting festival-goers from this sort of illegal activity.
“I’m pleased the team’s hard work has led to a successful prosecution in this case, and I hope this will deter anyone else attempting to work illegally and opportunistically in Reading.”
If you are concerned that a trader is selling alcohol or other age-restricted goods to underage children, suspicions can be reported via the Citizen’s Advice website or by phoning 0808 223 1133.
