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 Age Restricted Sales Trading Standards are committed to the protection of the health and wellbeing of children of Southampton and the reduction of anti social activities. The Service works closely with retailers to ensure that legislation is being adhered to and that business owners and their staff are aware of their obligations in relation to age restricted products. Regular test purchasing exercises are undertaken, using young volunteers, in accordance with Government guidelines. If sales result from these exercises we ensure that appropriate enforcement action is taken. Guidance on Age Restricted Products...... Volunteers Wanted We are looking for 14.5 - 16.5 year old volunteers to help with tobacco, alcohol, firework and solvent test purchasing to check that shops are complying with the laws on underage sales. If you are interested in helping us during occasional school holidays, evenings or weekends then please contact us. Volunteers work under close supervision and in accordance with best practice procedures. We will visit volunteers and their parents first to discuss and explain matters fully. The volunteers will be asked to enter shops and attempt to purchase age restricted products. If challenged they will be instructed to tell the truth about their age. At all times while in the premises an officer will be resent. Staff are 'Police cleared' to work with youngsters. In carrying out test purchasing exercises we will ensure that the welfare considerations of the child are paramount. Test Purchase Results for Southampton
Between January 2007 and November 2008 we
conducted 265 test purchases of age restricted products. The following
number of sales were made: Alcohol: 33
Cigarettes: 15
Knives: 8
Fireworks: 3
ID Cards Smokefree Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Southampton City Council, Trading Standards
Service, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY Copyright © Southampton City Council Trading Standards Service 2001 |
