Efforts to keep knives off the street and out of the hands of children has continued this week as a rogue trader was brought before Magistrates.
Following a test purchase carried out in April this year Younis Cash and Carry, trading as Sha Superstore Limited, has been fined nearly £1,000 for failing to adhere to laws governing the sale of age restricted items.
The Council was first made aware of this premises following a complaint made in April 2023 that a knife had been sold to an underage person. Following this written guidance was sent to the store to remind them and their employees what the law was around the sale of knives.
On April 8, 2024 a test purchase operation was carried out where a 13-year-old volunteer went into the shop and bought a pack of knives for £1.49. They were not challenged over their age or asked to provide any form of ID when completing this purchase.
Officers then immediately intervened, questioning the sales assistant who demonstrated a total lack of knowledge around age-restricted products.
An interview took place with the company’s director on May 30, 2024 where it was stated that verbal training was given to staff around the sale of age-restricted products, but was not documented. It was also confirmed that no refresher training took place around these laws.
He also stated that since the Council’s visit, the shop no longer sells knives.
On February 6, 2025, the case was heard before Manchester Magistrates’ Court. During the hearing the director pleaded guilty on behalf of Sha Superstore Limited.
The company was ordered to pay an £800 fine, a victim surcharge of £320 and costs of £607.80.
A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “Laws around the sale of knives are extremely strict for a reason. There is absolutely no excuse to sell a set of knives to a child who is quite clearly underage.
“Operations like this show that we as a Council are committed to keeping our communities and children safe and we hope this sends a clear message that the sale of restricted products to children will be met with legal action.”
