Stores support ban on acid sales for U18s
RETAILERS with shops across Halton have pledged not to sell the most harmful corrosive substances to those under 18 in a bid to tackle acid attacks.
Morrisons, Co-op, Screwfix and Tesco are among the major brands to sign the voluntary commitments on the responsible sale of the liquids.
The measures adopted include agreeing not to sell products to those under 18 which contain potentially harmful levels of acid or corrosive substances.
Morrisons, Tesco, and Screwfix all have shops in Widnes, while there are several Co-op stores across Halton.
Age restriction measures will also be applied to products sold online.
The stores will also agree to comply with the Poisons Act and promote awareness to staff and what this means for the sale of products which contain levels of acid and other corrosive substances.
A Freedom Of Information request submitted by the Weekly News to Cheshire police last year found two incidents were reported to officers in Widnes where either acid and other dangerous chemicals were used in 2016 and part of 2017.
Though none of the incidents involved acid, police confirmed the incidents included cleaning substances such as bleach.
The two incidents reported in 2016 were classed as assault with injury.
Both incidents from the portion of 2017 have been classed as assault without injury.
The move follows a major research project commissioned by the Home Office into the motivations of offenders who carry and use acid in violent attacks.
Minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, Victoria Atkins, said: “Acid attacks have a devastating impact on their victims, leaving both emotional and physical scars.
“I’m pleased that so many of the UK’s major retailers are joining our fight to combat this scourge and sig- nalling they are committed to selling acids responsibly.
“This is the next step of our acid attacks action plan that has already seen us consult on new laws to restrict young people’s access to acids.
“It is also vital we gain an insight into the motivations and behaviours of those who carry out these unspeakable attacks, which is why we have commissioned a major piece of research that will help us understand more about this crime.”
The voluntary agreement has been introduced now to ensure immediate action is taken by retailers on a voluntary basis, in advance of new legislation including the ban on sales to those under 18 being brought before Parliament and put into effect.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for corrosive attacks, Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, said: “The use of acid to commit acts of violence is particularly abhorrent – perpetrators aim to leave their victims with horrific and life-changing injuries.
“Tackling the scourge of acid attacks requires a co-ordinated approach across a number of different organisations and sectors.
“I commend all those major retailers and independent stores which are now taking steps to help prevent acid attacks from taking place.
“The majority of us find it hard to believe that anyone would choose to throw acid over another person.
“This new project will enable us to improve our understanding of why offenders are motivated to use acid as a weapon and assist us in stopping attacks in the future.”