Council clampdown on underage tobacco sales

Test purchases in the Rochdale borough have revealed pub vending machines could be undermining efforts to prevent underage tobacco sales.

Rochdale Council is tackling irresponsible traders who have been caught selling cigarettes and oral tobacco to minors during a routine undercover survey.

It has been illegal to sell cigarettes and oral tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 since 1 October 2007, when the government raised the legal age limit to curb the number of young people and children from becoming smokers.

If traders or sellers are found guilty in court, they face a fine of up to £5000 plus costs and could be banned from selling tobacco products.

During recent test purchase exercises carried out in July and August, underage volunteers aged between 15 and 16 years and 9 months were able to illegally buy cigarettes from vending machines in almost half the pubs visited and in both shops visited for oral ‘chewing’ tobacco.

Nine pubs were visited in total and four purchases were made from vending machines. Two shops were visited in total and two purchases were made of oral tobacco.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Council said the test purchases have shown serious issues with the sale of cigarettes from vending machines and even more significantly, a need to change the perception of oral chewing tobacco: “As well as educating and advising on the law relating to the sale of cigarettes and oral tobacco, officers will also carry out full investigations of all of these sales. Irresponsible and ultimately life threatening trading in the borough will not be tolerated.”

Trading Standards Officers ensure compliance with the legislation by undertaking these test purchase exercises. All underage sales surveys are carried out in accordance with strict guidelines to ensure that the young person involved is protected at all times.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Ted Flynn said: “Proactive work is crucial in preventing children and young people from obtaining harmful cigarettes and oral tobacco. It is disappointing to see that some outlets are trading irresponsibly but I am pleased that the council is committed to taking action on this matter.”

To report inappropriate sales of any tobacco product, contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or email trading.standards@rochdale.gov.uk