Legal News

Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards department has found that three of the seven businesses visited as part of a test purchase operation in Launceston failed the test and sold tobacco or alcohol to a 17-year-old volunteer.

The results of the latest testing of shops for their willingness to illegally sell cigarettes, e-cigarettes and alcohol to children were called “disappointing” by Trading Standards.

The test purchase operation formed part of a week of tobacco control activities from Trading Standards and Public Health, which took place from 3 October.

Senior Trading Standards Officer, Elizabeth Kirk, said:

“Some of the shops visited were excellent, ensuring that they asked our volunteer for a proof of age.

“However, we were disappointed that this did not happen in every case – all of the traders tested will be informed of the result, and guidance on how to comply with the law surrounding age restricted sales will be given, where appropriate.

“Most smokers develop the habit way before they are 18 years old – the legal age at which you can buy tobacco.

“It is important, therefore, that shops are robust in preventing sales to children to help lower the number of future smokers.”

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