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News

Poole Crack Down On Sales To Under-Age Youths

Borough of Poole’s Environmental and Consumer Protection Services (E&CPS) has been busy carrying out test purchases, checking for the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to under age people. 

In total 50 premises throughout the Borough were targeted using under-age volunteers - 28 were checked for the sale of cigarettes to a 13-year-old and 22 for the sale of alcohol  to a 15-year-old: 

· Two of the 28 premises sold cigarettes to the under-age volunteer
· Three of the 22 premises sold cans of beer to the under-age volunteer

Officers from E&CPS work continuously with traders, advising them on the law in relation to age-restricted products and checking for compliance by retailers. One aim is to highlight the serious consequences of selling to under-age customers, which may lead to the seller being prosecuted which could result in a fine of £2,500.

Cllr Don Collier, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The effects of both alcohol and smoking can have a short-term and long-term impact on young people’s health and can add to  anti-social behaviour in the Borough. We are pleased that the majority of retailers requested identification and didn’t sell to the volunteers. However it is still disappointing that, following advice from officers, some premises are still not being vigilant and selling to under-age people. We will always take appropriate enforcement action in line with our policies.”

The legal minimum age for purchasing tobacco is due to rise from 16 years to 18 years on 1 October 2007. E&CPS are  advising retailers to ensure that they are up to date with current legislation.

Advice on legislation about all age-restricted products can be obtained from local Trading Standards by telephoning 01202 261700. If you would like to make a complaint about a premises selling cigarettes to young people under the age of 16 please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Lisa Gaskell, Communications, Borough of Poole on tel: 01202 633060