Hendon shop owner fined for selling knife to teenager

Barnet Council has successfully prosecuted Akif Durmaz, the owner of Hendon International Food, for selling a knife set to a minor. The offence took place during an undercover test purchase operation conducted in December 2025. Durmaz, who operates the grocery and convenience shop on Vivian Avenue, entered a guilty plea at Willesden Magistrates Court on September 3rd.

Court Ruling and Penalties

The court imposed a fine of £3,080 on Durmaz. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £1,500 towards the council's legal costs. The sale violated regulations concerning the sale of bladed articles, as the legal age to purchase a knife in the United Kingdom is 18.

Responsible Retailer Scheme and Council Action

Hendon International Food had previously been part of the ‘Responsible Retailer Scheme’, an initiative involving local trading standards and police. This scheme aims to assist businesses in adhering to age-restriction laws and preventing the distribution of illegal goods. It includes guidance on the proper storage and display of knives, as well as education on legal sales of bladed items.

Sara Conway, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for community safety and chair of the safer communities partnership, stated that knife crime has a devastating impact on families and communities. She emphasised the importance of preventing young people from obtaining knives. Cllr Conway added that this prosecution serves as a clear warning that the council will act decisively against businesses breaking the law and endangering residents. She affirmed the commitment of Barnet’s trading standards team and community safety partnership to protecting residents and communities, particularly concerning the safety of young people.

Knife Surrender Initiatives

In its efforts to combat knife crime, Barnet Council introduced a permanent knife surrender bin on Bunns Lane, NW7, last year. A temporary mobile bin was also deployed within the borough as part of a London-wide initiative funded by the Home Office. These bins offer a secure and anonymous method for individuals to dispose of knives and other bladed weapons. The council advises that knives should be wrapped securely in cardboard or paper before being placed in the bins to ensure safe disposal.

Residents with concerns about business operations within the borough can contact trading.standards@barnet.gov.uk or report consumer crime via the London Trading Standards website.