Two 15-year-old shoppers offered sale of alcohol and vapes

Trading Standards team are continuing the work to keep young people safe in their latest operation against sale of alcohol and vapes to under 18s.

Last week, Stoke-on-Trent City Council teams conducted another under-age test purchasing operation, where a test purchase for alcohol and vapes was attempted at a business premise with the assistance of two 15-year-old volunteers; one male and one female.

11 premises were tested in which only two of them that were visited passed the test by requesting to see ID and then refused to sell. Whilst most of them asked for ID and refused the sale, two premises in the Shelton and Sneyd Green areas that sell alcohol allowed the two volunteers to purchase a bottle of lager. Moreover, another shop also in located Shelton allowed the under-age volunteers to purchase a disposable vape.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement, and sustainability said:

“As a city council we praise those premises who diligently follow the guidelines ensuring the safety of others and refusing to sell by doing their due diligence when it comes to the sale of these products.

“Despite on-going efforts to educate and support local businesses in understanding and implementing age verification protocols, it is concerning that two premises in our local area were found to be in violation of the regulations and this will not be tolerated.

“The city council’s trading standards team is committed to working closely with local businesses to provide guidance and support in achieving compliance with age-restricted sales regulations. Additionally, enforcement action will be taken against premises found to be in breach of the law. We will not tolerate irresponsible traders putting the health of our young people at risk. We’ve got a responsibility to test these shops to make sure they are compliant with the law and to help protect the people of Stoke-on-Trent”.

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said:

“We commend and applaud all those who are doing a good job and adhering to the rules and regulations. It is important that business continue the good practice and request to see ID from customers.

“We have a duty to protect children from the harms associated with underage sales of alcohol and vapes, especially any counterfeit products, and I’m proud of the work our trading standards team continue to do to make our city safer and healthier”.

If any residents or businesses have concerns over the supply or sale of illegal tobacco or vapes they can report to the trading standards team on 0808 223 1133, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call our Trading Standards hotline on 01782 238884.

Moreover, residents can download the free NHS Quit Smoking app or can access a range of support and advice that is available locally. Support is also available for tobacco users who are planning on using e-cigarettes to help to quit. For more information go to www.stoke.gov.uk/smokefree or contact the quit smoking service directly on 0808 169 1869.

For support and tracking your consumption of alcohol visit https://stoke.orchahealth.com/en-GB/search?search=alcohol&sortBy=Relevance where you can find a range of apps to help you track down and change your drinking habit.

In addition, there are also health apps available to support those who would like to access help and advice on stop smoking and more by visiting https://stoke.orchahealth.com/en-GB/stop-smoking .