Clampdown on cigs sold to under-agers
Tobacco sales come under council scrutiny
Tra d i n g S t a n d a rds officers have begun a test purchasing operation on tobacco sales in the Wishaw area.
The Trading Standards team are aiming to test compliance levels in relation to the prohibition of supplies to those under 18.
In the last financial year, the test purchasing regime achieved its highest ever compliance rate with only 4.8 per cent of traders selling to under-18s.
Disappointingly, the failure rate in the last exercise rose to 10.6 per cent, with seven sales occurring out of a total of 66 attempts.
Fourteen fixed penalty notices have been served as a result of the sales which took place.
Trading Standards manager Paul Bannister said: “The results show that Trading Standards need to be ever-vigilant in enforcing under-age sales laws, and I would remind tobacco sellers in North Lanarkshire that we offer free business advice and training to ensure that traders are aware of their responsibilities and the steps they can take to ensure no repeat failures.
“Any traders unsure of age restricted products legislation or who want some help with training should contact the Trading Standards office.
“If any member of the public suspects that a trader is selling tobacco, solvents, alcohol or other age restricted products to those under-age they can also contact us to provide information, in confidence.”
If retailers are seeking further guidance, they can contact Trading Standards on 01236 856361.
The council’s Infrastructure Committee convener Michael McPake said: “My Trading Standards officers will continue to enforce under-age sales laws in relation to tobacco, nicotine vaping products and other age restricted items to ensure that young people in the community are protected.
“Our work in relation to tobacco is part of a wider tobacco cessation strategy, working in conjunction with NHS partners, to help prevent young people from smoking and , therefore, improving the long term health of our residents.”