The illegal sales, uncovered during undercover test purchases by Tower Hamlets Council’s Trading Standards team in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, involved shops in Whitechapel, Watney Market, and Mile End.
The operations are part of the council’s efforts to prevent unlawful sales and protect young people from harm.
Among the sales was a 660ml bottle of Birra Moretti to a 12-year-old at the Co-op in Mile End Road on August 16, 2024.
Wasala Nawod Bandara, who made the sale, was found guilty in his absence at Thames Magistrates’ Court on September 30, 2025.
The council said he had received company training but failed to follow procedures and did not ask for identification.
He was fined £660, with a £264 victim surcharge and £1,100 in costs.
Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury, cabinet member for public protection and integrated enforcement, said: “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.”
Whitechapel Poundshop Ltd, trading as Whitechapel Essential Houseware, was found to have sold a bottle of Knockout caustic soda to a 16-year-old during a test purchase on March 1, 2025.
The corrosive product, which contains sodium hydroxide, was clearly marked with an age-restriction warning.
The sale was made by company director Abdul Alim, who did not ask the volunteer for proof of age.
Both Alim and the business pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court on September 30.
Whitechapel Poundshop Ltd was fined £4,000, ordered to pay a £1,600 victim surcharge and £600 in costs.
Alim was fined £692, with a £277 victim surcharge and £600 in costs.
On the same day, a similar offence was recorded at Dolphins in Watney Market, where another corrosive product was sold to a child.
The sale was made by Mohammed Madani, with an investigation revealing that the business lacked proper controls to prevent underage sales.
Both Madani and his manager, Mohammed Miah, pleaded guilty under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019.
Madani was fined £224, along with a £90 victim surcharge and £200 in costs.
Miah was fined £365, with a £146 victim surcharge and £2,210.42 in costs.
Members of the public can report businesses selling age-restricted products to children anonymously via the Tower Hamlets Council website.
