Retailers found guilty of underage sales of bladed items are to face unlimited fines.

Last month, the sentencing council published new guidelines for sentencing store owners convicted of selling knives to people under 18.

From 1 April 2023, the offence carries an unlimited fine for businesses, that can only be dealt with in magistrates’ courts.

The maximum sentence for the staff member selling the item – six months’ imprisonment – remains unchanged.

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