Retailers advised to be alert to under-age sales
Monday, October 24 2005
Scottish Borders Council's Trading Standards Department is advising local retailers to be vigilant when selling age restricted products.
In recent visits to shops selling cigarettes, sales were made to under-age volunteers on three occasions. In each instance enforcement officers concluded that the sales were due to lack of attention by the shopkeeper, rather than indifference to legal requirements. Those shops which sold to the under 16's were warned and advice given on procedures necessary to avoid breaking the law. Follow-up visits, again with under-age volunteers revealed that the three shops in question had tightened up their procedures and were more focussed and alert to the prospect of youngsters attempting to buy cigarettes.
Principal Trading Standards Officer, Rob Hall states: "It is essential that shopkeepers adopt a different mind set when it comes to goods such as cigarettes and fireworks. Each sale should be treated with caution and if in any doubt they should ask for proof of age. I am confident that local retailers are aware of their responsibilities but they need to stay alert at all times."
Notes: These findings are the result of a test purchase programme, recently completed, throughout the Borders Region. A
total of 17 premises were visited with under-age volunteers, from small independent retailers to regional/national outlets.
The three shops which sold cigarettes to the volunteer were re-visited and a further test purchase made. In each instance
no sale took place.
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