Cosmetic fillers offered to a 15-year-old under age child

Trading Standards officers are cracking down on businesses who operate illegally after an operation to test the compliance of those offering Botox and lip filler to under 18’s.

As part of the operation, Stoke-on-Trent City Council wrote to local businesses to provide guidance on the legal rules, and to advise that a test purchasing exercise would be taking place. Telephone calls to make appointments were then made and visits were carried out with the assistance of a 15-year-old female volunteer.

Out of eight premises tested, there were two businesses that booked appointments. One of them asked for the age of the person volunteering but did not follow up with a request to see an ID. The second business did not ask for both the age or ID from the 15-year-old. In addition, another business that is being operated from a residential property did not ask for the age of the person volunteering when the initial telephone enquiry was made.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement, and sustainability said: “Whilst the majority of businesses complied with the rules, it is disappointing that three premises offered appointments for the procedures or did not make sufficient checks to verify the age of the volunteer. Business owners must act responsibly to protect our young people and comply with their legal duties.

“We urge all cosmetic services to ensure your staff are properly trained to know which procedures are age restricted and the action they must take if they believe a person under 18 is attempting to book an appointment. You should keep a record of the training and get staff to sign when they have completed the training and understood what is required of them”.

Follow up visits will now be made to the non-compliant businesses to give further advice on the steps they must take to prevent their services being offered or provided to under age persons.

This follows the introduction of legislation (the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021) which prohibits these services from being offered or administered to young people under the age of 18, in order to safeguard children from potential health risks. Agreeing to perform a procedure on someone underage, and even making and confirming an appointment is illegal.

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “The recent operation shows the urgent need for businesses to adhere to regulations and follow guidelines to safeguard people under-age against potential health risks.

“Residents are encouraged to report any concerns or suspicions regarding the provision of cosmetic treatments to the council’s trading standards team. Together, we can work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, especially the younger generation who may not know all the details around cosmetic services”.

Anyone who wants to report under age sales can call the Trading Standards team on 01782 238884, or email www.public.protection@stoke.gov.uk  for more information.