Test purchases carried out in Dorset to tackle underage vape sales
Retailers in Weymouth and Dorchester were visited by the Council
Eleven businesses in Weymouth and Dorchester have been targeted in a sting by Dorset Council Trading Standards officers, over selling age restricted products.
A 15-year-old volunteer asked to buy vapes and knives - three retailers sold vapes containing nicotine to the child.
The premises were chosen following tip offs from the public who reported they'd seen underage sales.
Dorset Council's encouraging businesses to make use of their toolkit of training to ensure they're complying with the law.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, said:
“We want to work with businesses to keep them lawful and help keep children safe. Testing is important to raise awareness of the issue with employers.
“Our volunteers are supported in this work and their safety is our first priority.”
If anyone suspects that a retailer is selling age restricted goods or services to someone underage, then they can report it to Trading Standards by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or by visiting their website.
Investigations into the sales and systems that retailers should have in place to prevent underage sales are ongoing in Dorset.
Trading Standards have also confirmed that further test purchase operations will continue in 2024.