Lidl Condemned for Illegal Alcohol Sales Linked to Minor's Death

In a landmark ruling, the French Court of Cassation has upheld a €5,000 fine against Lidl for illegally selling alcohol to a minor, a case that highlights serious concerns regarding alcohol sales regulation in France. The ruling stems from the tragic death of 16-year-old Kilian, who died in a scooter accident in 2021 after purchasing vodka from the supermarket chain.

On September 23, the court confirmed Lidl's responsibility, noting that the store failed to implement necessary measures for checking age verification before selling alcohol. This negligence directly contributed to Kilian being able to buy the vodka, despite laws prohibiting alcohol sales to minors. At the time of the accident, he had a blood alcohol level of 0.56 g/l. The court described Lidl's actions as a 'deliberate violation' of the law against selling alcohol to those underage.

Additionally, Lidl has been ordered to pay €2,500 to the National Alcohol and Addiction Prevention Association for legal costs related to the case. The mother of Kilian had initiated the complaint not for punitive reasons but to ensure her son’s death would lead to meaningful change regarding alcohol sales regulations.

Further emphasizing the need for stricter regulations, a report from Addictions France revealed alarming statistics showing that nearly 90% of supermarkets violate laws concerning sales of alcohol to minors. The findings have raised concerns about the adequacy of government inspections and the lack of severe penalties for such violations, pushing for immediate action in light of public safety.

This case not only brings closure to the unfortunate incident surrounding Kilian's death but also serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities retailers hold in adhering to laws designed to protect minors, with advocacy groups calling for enhanced oversight and enforcement of alcohol sales regulations in France.