Rochdale’s responsible retailers get the latest training

Lucia Renshaw, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Mayor, Zulfiqar Ali welcome responsible retailers to their training at Rochdale Cricket Lacrosse & Squash Club

Rochdale borough’s responsible retailers have been called back to class to be given an important lesson in trading legislation delivered by Rochdale Borough Council.

The Responsible Retailer Scheme devised by Rochdale Borough Council’s trading standards team aims to protect local traders from falling foul of the law by providing help, support and advice on important trading legislation concerning the responsible sale of alcohol, cigarettes and knives.

Over 40 traders from across Middleton, Rochdale, Spotland and Falinge will attend a training seminar at Rochdale Cricket Lacrosse and Squash Club on today (Thursday 16 September 2010).

Retailers will receive training in the recent changes to the Licensing Act 2003, the role and responsibility of the Licensing Team and Trading Standards, as well as how to minimise retail violence.

As members of the scheme, these traders are subject to routine undercover surveys carried out by the council’s trading standards team with help from unpaid, underage volunteers. Such test purchase exercises ensure compliance with Government legislation and that all trading on their premises is carried out in line with the law.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager, Rochdale Borough Council, whose team are running the scheme, said: “By signing up to the scheme, traders are accepting their social responsibilities by helping to reduce underage sales of alcohol, cigarettes and knives, which are often associated with anti-social behaviour in the community.

“We’re committed to making sure our responsible retailers are up-to-date with the latest requirements of the law to ensure they’re trading legally and responsibly. By providing this valuable training it also means that these retailers have little excuse if they’re caught flouting the law.”

Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member responsible for community safety at 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 in the future.”