Man convicted of selling alcohol to 16 year old

Anthony Wiączek, 65, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, has been convicted of selling alcohol to 16‑year‑old Hector Eccles in March 2024. The court heard that Hector consumed five pints of strong lager at the premises, where Wiączek was both the premises licence holder and the Designated Premises Supervisor, and was the only person behind the bar that night.

The accident took place on Saturday 30 March 2026 on the outskirts of Burnley. Hector left the premises in a farm vehicle which crashed a short distance away, and he was fatally injured. His family later paid tribute to a “beautiful, kind and lovely” teenager.

During the hearing, the prosecution said Wiączek had known Hector since he was a baby — including hosting his Christening party at the pub — and had taken him to Manchester City matches when he was younger. More recently, it was alleged that Wiączek had spoken with Hector’s parents about his plans to go to college after completing his GCSEs, and that Hector had carried out work for him, including emptying a septic tank at the pub.

Wiączek maintained that he believed Hector to be over 18 and said he had previously seen proof of age produced by him at the premises.

In finding Wiączek guilty of selling alcohol to a person under 18, District Judge Preston said culpability was high because Wiączek knew Hector, had been told his age, and nevertheless sold alcohol to him. She said there was a significant risk in selling alcohol to a 16‑year‑old and that Wiączek was solely responsible for the sale. The judge acknowledged his previously unblemished record in the licensed trade, his good character, and his contributions to the community.

Wiączek was fined £660 and ordered to pay a £264 victim surcharge and £650 towards prosecution costs. His personal licence was also suspended for three months.

In addition to the tragic circumstances of the case the premises licence was subject to a review in August 2024 at which the licence was revoked.

That decision remains under appeal. We are also informed that Wiączek intends to appeal the criminal conviction.