Alcohol traders get council guidance

Traders who and sell alcohol, cigarettes and knives are to be given guidance on how to ensure a safe sale.

Trading Standards has launched the Responsible Retailer Scheme on Monday 2 March to protect shopkeepers in Spotland and Falinge from prosecution when they accidentally sell to under 18s.

The scheme involves giving support, advice and help on important trading legislation to participating retailers.

A launch event, held at Rochdale Football Club, took place to celebrate the start of the scheme.

The four retailers that had already signed up to the new scheme were presented with certificates from the mayor.

Traders from Bargain Booze on Whitworth Road, Booze ‘n’ Basics on Red Cross Street and Somerfield in Cutgate Shopping centre, Edenfield Road were present at the event.

These businesses will be subject to undercover surveys carried out by unpaid, under-age volunteers, who will be helping the council’s trading standards team, to see whether the shop would serve them.

Councillor Ted Flynn, Cabinet Member for Community Safety on Rochdale Borough Council said;

“Traders commitment to this scheme is vital in protecting the health and safety of our borough’s young people and I hope that many more of the town’s retailers will sign up to the scheme over the next couple of months.”

If you are a retailer and would like to sign up to or find out more information about the scheme please contact the council’s trading standards team on 01706 924186 or email trading.standards@rochdale.gov.uk