West Sussex businesses warned against underage tobacco and alcohol sales
It follows a series of test purchases by West Sussex County Council's Trading Standards team
Shopkeepers across West Sussex are being warned serious action will be taken against them for selling alcohol and tobacco to underage customers.
The warning, from the county council's Trading Standards team, follows a series of test purchases.
Two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old attempted to buy cigarettes and alcohol from shops in Bognor Regis, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Littlehampton and Worthing.
Of the 16 shops visited, the underage customers bought alcohol and cigarettes without having proof of age on nine occasions.
Peter Aston, West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Team 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 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."
Businesses found to be selling alcohol to anyone under 18 could face an unlimited fine and a fine of up to £2,500 for selling tobacco.