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21 Nov 08Local Shop Prosecuted for Underage Sale of Cigarettes
Borough of Poole Trading Standards team has successfully prosecuted newsagents Martin McColl Ltd in the Dolphin Centre 
, Poole, for selling cigarettes to a 15-year-old boy.
On Monday 17 November a solicitor representing the company pleaded guilty at Wimborne Magistrates Court . Martin McColl's received a fine of £1,350 and was ordered to pay costs of £2,000.
The case was brought following a routine test purchase carried out by Environmental and Consumer Protection Services (E&CPS) Trading Standards team.
In February, a young male volunteer under the supervision of Trading Standards officers was instructed to attempt the purchase of age-restricted products from 8 shops in the Poole area. He successfully bought cigarettes from 3 of those tested.
On this occasion the member of staff from Martin McColl's made no attempt to ask the volunteer for proof of age and proceeded to sell the cigarettes. The volunteer was told to state his real age if challenged by a member of staff.
All of the shops tested had previously been given advice on how to comply with the law relating to the sale of age-restricted products.
The purchases were part of an ongoing campaign to monitor the sale of a range of age-restricted products including cigarettes, alcohol and fireworks.
Borough of Poole works with local businesses in the area to ensure they have current information and comply with the law regarding the sale of age-restricted products. Businesses are also offered a CD-ROM developed to help shop staff understand their role and responsibility which includes the main guideline 'No proof of age, No sale'.
Peter Haikin, Regulatory Services Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "It is very disappointing that Martin McColl's failed the test purchase. It is the responsibility of the company to provide training for its staff and to ensure correct procedures are carried out and clearly this was not the case in this situation. The outcome of this case should provide a clear message to other businesses that the sale of age-restricted products to young people will not be tolerated. The Trading Standards team will continue to carry out test purchases and prosecute offenders, as it is our responsibility to protect the young people of Poole."
The test purchasing campaign can only continue with the help of young volunteers. Environmental & Consumer Protection Services would like to hear from young people aged 15 with parental consent who would be willing to be involved. For further information please call 01202 261700 or email environment@poole.gov.uk
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