Tower Hamlets Retailers Fined for Selling Alcohol, Chemicals to Children

Key Points

• Three Tower Hamlets retailers fined over £13,000 for selling alcohol and hazardous chemicals to minors.
• Whitechapel Essential Warehouse, Dolphins in Watney Market, and the Co-op in Mile End were penalised.
• Whitechapel Poundshop Ltd sold corrosive sodium hydroxide to a 16-year-old during a test purchase.
• Whitechapel Poundshop’s director Abdul Alim failed to ask for proof of age.
• Dolphins in Watney Market sold corrosive drain cleaner to a child; lack of sales controls found.
• Co-op in Mile End sold alcohol to a 12-year-old due to staff’s failure to check ID.
• Tower Hamlets Borough Council and Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury condemned the irresponsible actions.
• Fines included £4,000 for Whitechapel Poundshop Ltd, £692 for Abdul Alim, £224 and £365 for Dolphins staff, and £660 for Co-op staff member.

What happened in Tower Hamlets involving retailers selling to children?

As reported by staff at the Evening Standard, three retailers in Tower Hamlets have been fined a combined total of more than £13,000 after selling alcohol and dangerous chemicals to children. The enforcement action followed investigations carried out by Tower Hamlets Borough Council’s Trading Standards team.

The retail outlets penalised were Whitechapel Essential Warehouse on Whitechapel Road, Dolphins in Watney Market, Shadwell, and the Co-op located on Mile End Road.

Who has spoken out about these sales to minors?

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement at Tower Hamlets Borough Council, told the Evening Standard that such sales were “deeply irresponsible.” She emphasised:

“Selling corrosive products or alcohol to children is not only illegal but deeply irresponsible. These substances can cause real harm, and businesses must take their responsibilities seriously. Our Trading Standards team will continue to carry out regular test purchases to ensure retailers comply with the law and protect our residents.”

What were the details of the offences at Whitechapel Essential Warehouse?

According to the Evening Standard report, on 1 March of this year, a volunteer aged 16 was able to purchase a bottle of Knockout Caustic Soda from Whitechapel Poundshop Ltd, which trades as Whitechapel Essential Warehouse. The corrosive product contains sodium hydroxide and was clearly marked with an age-restriction warning.

The sale was made by Abdul Alim, the company’s director, who failed to request proof of age. Both Whitechapel Poundshop Ltd and Mr Alim pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 30 September.

The company was fined £4,000, while Mr Alim received a fine of £692 alongside victim surcharge and court costs.

What happened at Dolphins in Watney Market?

On the same day, a child was sold a bottle of Knockout Drains, Toilets and Urinals Cleaner—a corrosive chemical product—at Dolphins in Watney Market. This sale was made by Mr Mohammed Madani, who was fined £224. A Mr Miah was also fined £365 with additional victim surcharge and costs.

Investigations by Trading Standards found the business had insufficient controls to prevent underage sales.

What occurred at the Co-op in Mile End?

The Evening Standard further reported that on 16 August last year, a 12-year-old was sold a 660ml bottle of Birra Moretti beer at the Co-op on Mile End Road. The sale was completed by Mr Wasala Nawod Bandara, who despite having received company training, failed to follow procedures and did not request identification.

Mr Bandara was found guilty in his absence at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 30 September and fined £660 plus victim surcharge and costs.

How is Tower Hamlets Borough Council responding to these incidents?

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury reiterated the council’s commitment to safeguarding children and residents by enforcing laws against underage sales:

“Our Trading Standards team will continue to carry out regular test purchases to ensure retailers comply with the law and protect our residents.”

The council’s actions reflect an ongoing effort to curb irresponsible retailing practices that put minors at risk through access to hazardous and age-restricted products.

What are the broader implications for retailers in Tower Hamlets?

This enforcement campaign sends a clear message to all businesses in Tower Hamlets about the legal obligations surrounding the sale of age-restricted products like alcohol and corrosive chemicals. Retailers are reminded to uphold strict age verification procedures and prevent the sale of dangerous substances to children.

Repeated failures to comply can result in substantial fines, reputational damage, and potential criminal charges against individuals and companies.