A shopkeeper had to shell out over £1,000 after an underage teenager was allowed to buy alcohol.

Tarik Korkmaz, 29, the former license holder at Best Supermarket, in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, was stung by Trading Standards officers with the help of a 16-year-old.

The operation saw three underage teens carry out “test purchases” around the borough on September 29, last year, to catch illegal trading.

One of the shops visited was Best Supermarket, where the 16-year-old child was sold a bottle of WKD Blue.

Korkmaz was later interviewed and prosecuted by Trading Standards for allowing someone under the age of 18 to buy alcohol.

He was ordered to pay £436 in fines, £664 in court costs and £43 victim surcharge by Thames Magistrates Court on Friday, July 14.

Deputy leader Councillor Clyde Loakes said: “This shopkeeper was caught red handed selling alcohol to a minor and has paid a hefty price.

“The message is quite clear - we will not tolerate underage sales of drink or cigarettes.

“If shop worker or manager is unsure of a customer’s age they need to ask for ID or not sell the item.

“They risk fines and even losing their licence.”