Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team are pleased to announce that 96 percent of Slough traders have refused to sell tobacco products during test purchasing to children.
The team visited 14 Slough premises last week and had refusals in all but one shop. The shop which didn’t comply was in Colnbrook and sold a packet of cigarettes to a 14 year old.
A total of 27 premises have been tested over the last few weeks, with only one failing.
The premise in Colnbrook will be reviewed by trading standards and could see the trader receiving an intensive trader re-training programme. In addition to this, could be the possibility of a simple caution, or, in the worst case scenario, prosecution and a fine.
Dean Cooke, trading standards officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “Despite the one shop selling tobacco goods to minors, we’re very pleased that 96 percent have complied.
“We always advise and remind traders to continue refusing the sale of tobacco products to the underage consumers and to always ask for ID.
“Despite this though, I’m still concerned about traders just asking for the age of the customer, as any underage purchaser will almost definitely lie about their age.”
The legal age for purchasing tobacco products was increased from 16 to 18 years from the October 1, 2007.
The maximum fine for selling underage tobacco products is £2,500.
Slough Borough Council
