Bracknell

Trading standards officers from Bracknell Forest Borough Council are committed to reducing illegal sales of age-restricted products by local businesses

This follows previous Bracknell campaigns which show that nearly half of test purchases resulted in a sale; and also the recent rise in the legal age for buying cigarettes from 16 to 18.

Age restricted sales also apply to alcohol, lighter fuel and solvents, knives, fireworks and computer games.

The Bracknell Council has been working to educate traders on the relevant laws and how to prevent sales; and issued card readers which can verify e+ cards which are part of an approved proof of age scheme.

If businesses are found to be selling age restricted products they can find themselves facing a range of enforcement measures including a caution, on the spot fine, prosecution with a fine or imprisonment and even the loss of a trade with the removal of the licence to sell alcohol.

Rob Sexton, Head of Bracknell Trading Standards and Services, said: Traders in Bracknell Forest have a legal and moral responsibility to make sure age-restricted products are not sold to children and young people.

”We will be working even harder to make sure traders across the borough know, understand and comply with the law."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: We have a duty of care to our children and young people and any age restricted sales is unacceptable which is why we have an ongoing commitment to reduce these illegal sales."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council