Our Trading Standards service has warned shopkeepers it will take action against them if they are found to be selling tobacco, nicotine vaping products or fireworks to underage customers.
In a recent test purchase exercise across 20 shops, underage customers were able to buy cigarettes, vaping products or fireworks on five occasions without being asked for proof of age.
Businesses are now being reminded that they must ensure they do not sell these products to under 18s. Most businesses do this by operating a Challenge 25 policy. If a customer looks under the age of 25, proof of age is required, and staff must be trained to verify the customer’s age before selling age-restricted products.
Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee which oversees Trading Standards in North Lanarkshire, said: "Over the years we have found the majority of businesses selling age-restricted products are abiding by the law and helping to keep children safe. However, there are still shopkeepers who are not checking proof of age and the test purchase exercises we run help to identify those who are not acting responsibly.”
Paul Bannister, Protective Services Manager, added: "Simply asking a customer how old they are is not enough. Sellers must ask for, and be shown, valid and recognised photo ID, such as a passport, a photographic driving licence or a proof of age scheme approved card, to prevent illegal sales of age restricted products. We recommend this is asked for whenever a customer looks under 25.
“We’ll continue to carry out checks and test purchases and we’re determined to crack down on businesses flouting the law.”
The number of test purchases made in North Lanarkshire will now be increased by Trading Standards over the next 12 months.
Businesses who would like advice on underage sales can contact Trading Standards on tradingstandards@northlan.gov.uk.
In addition, any member of the public who suspects a trader is selling tobacco, solvents, alcohol or other age restricted products to under 18s, can also contact us at this address to provide information, in confidence.
Quit Your Way is a free NHS Lanarkshire stop smoking service. To find out more information call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot. You can also visit your local community pharmacy for free stop smoking support.