Thursday, January 24, 2008

Welsh Limo Rental In Hot Water For Giving Booze Without A License

The owner of a Welsh limousine firm which transports revellers on nights out has been convicted of supplying them with alcohol.

In what is seen as the first such prosecution in Wales, Mario Polledri, of Marpol Vehicles, appeared in court after a chauffeur unwittingly offered three bottles of wine to undercover trading standards officers. Polledri said today: "I wasn't aware of the law and we stopped supplying drink the day they contacted us."

Rhondda Cynon Taf council was tipped off that the firm, based in Cwmbach, Cynon Valley, was providing passengers with complimentary alcohol, despite not having a licence.

The authority first sent local limousine companies letters reminding them of the need for licences if they wanted to supply revellers with drinks. However, officials in Cardiff, the destination for many night-time limousines from the Valleys, informed RCT officers Marpol appeared to be giving out drinks without permission.

Trading standards set up a sting operation and booked a vehicle for a trip from Aberdare to Pontypridd. They were told alcohol would be supplied during the journey and arrangements could be made if more was needed.

As expected, while in transit, officers were presented with three bottles of wine in the limousine - and Polledri, of Highland Place, Aberdare, was charged.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor

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