Retailers put a stop to underage tobacco sales

Retailers across the borough have shown they’re complying with the law that prevents the sale of tobacco to underage young people.

In a recent mystery shopping exercise, volunteers aged 14, attempted to buy cigarettes from 22 premises across the borough. All of the shops visited refused to sell any cigarettes to the volunteers.

The Public Protection Department carries out regular test-purchasing exercises to ensure traders are complying with the law relating to the sale of age restricted goods. The legal age for the sale of cigarettes is 18.

Fifteen of the premises visited were petrol stations who all refused sales when approached by the volunteers.  The remaining premises were targeted following complaints that cigarettes were being sold to people who are underage. Again, all attempts to purchase cigarettes by the 14 year old volunteers were refused.

The Public Protection Department said: “The exercise shows that all the businesses visited had adequate procedures in place to prevent children obtaining cigarettes which are harmful to their health.”

Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Devolved and Environmental Services added:

“As part of the battle against cigarettes being sold to children, these exercises reinforce the message to retailers that the sale of tobacco to people under 18 is illegal.”

“The council will not hesitate to prosecute retailers who do not adhere to the law as it’s really important to protect the health and safety of young people in the borough. Any shop found selling products to those who are underage risk a £5000 maximum fine.”