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Cumbria businesses fined for selling alcohol and tobacco to 16-year-olds (21 March 2016)

Date: 21/03/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Cumbria businesses fined for selling alcohol and tobacco to 16-year-olds

Cumbria County Council Trading Standards and Cumbria Police have carried out a joint undercover operation in which 16-year-old volunteers attempted to buy alcohol, tobacco or e-cigarettes at premises in Barrow, Keswick and Workington.

Trading Standards and police officers found that six out of 14 businesses tested in the recent underage purchasing operation failed to comply with the law, by selling age-restricted products to underage customers.

All three of the premises tested for e-cigarettes sold the nicotine inhaling products without asking for proof of age – two out of five off licences tested sold alcohol and one out of six premises sold tobacco.

As a result, staff at the two premises which served alcohol to an underage volunteer were issued with £90 fixed penalty notices.

All premises which failed to comply with the law will be subject to repeat undercover tests, said Cumbria Council – and the businesses could risk heavier fines or even lose their licences for any repeat offences.

Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Trading Standards, Councillor Janet Willis, said:

“Most businesses act responsibly and sensibly, so it’s disappointing that such a high proportion of premises failed this time.

“Trading Standards work closely with traders to ensure compliance with the law and these undercover checks form a vital part of that process.

“Test purchases are carried out throughout the year, so I’d remind businesses that they should always ask for identification that proves someone is 18 years or older.”

Community Safety Inspector Jon Sherlock said:

“Cumbria Constabulary works closely in partnership with Trading Standards, supporting each other to ensure that businesses are complying with the law and that these substances aren’t being sold to those not legally able to consume them.

“It is disappointing to see the number of businesses that failed the test and it will not be tolerated.

“Suitable advice and guidance is given to these premises, but if they continue to put the health and well-being of young people at risk, we will take the necessary action against them to safeguard the children of Cumbria.”

Businesses that sell age restricted products to children can face fines of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence.

Legislation prohibiting the sale of nicotine inhaling products, or e-cigarettes, to under 18-year-olds came into force in November 2015.

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