Trading Standards officers have carried out a test purchase operation across the Borough, helping to protect young people and support the Council’s public health and community safety priorities.

The planned operation saw young people under the age of 18 attempt to purchase age-restricted products, including alcohol and vape devices, from local businesses. A total of 16 businesses were tested, with the majority successfully complying with the law and refusing to sell age-restricted products to under-18s.

However, four businesses failed the test, representing a 25 per cent failure rate. These premises will now be investigated as part of Trading Standards’ ongoing enquiries, with further action considered where appropriate.

The operation forms part of the Council’s ongoing programme of robust Trading Standards activity to prevent the illegal sale of age-restricted products and reduce the potential links between these sales, poor health outcomes, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Rags Sandhu - Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Leisure said:

Protecting our young people is a priority and it is encouraging to see that the vast majority of local businesses are taking their responsibilities seriously and refusing to sell age-restricted products to children. In addition to ensuring that our high streets are safe, we are equally committed to ensuring that the products they sell are sold responsibly and legally.

However, a 25 per cent failure rate is still concerning. Businesses must understand that selling alcohol or vape devices to under-18s is illegal and can have a wider impact on the health and wellbeing of young people and our communities.

Our Trading Standards team will continue to carry out robust and targeted testing and we will take action against those businesses that fail to comply with the law. I would also encourage all local businesses to ensure their staff are properly trained and are carrying out appropriate age checks before making a sale.

By working together with responsible businesses and our communities, we can help prevent young people from accessing age-restricted products and contribute to making our Borough a healthier and safer place.”

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase alcohol or vape devices in England.

London Borough of Bexley will continue to take tough enforcement action against businesses selling age-restricted products to under-18s. The Council will check that businesses are complying with their legal obligations, recognise those that are doing so, and take action against those that fall short and fail to protect young people.

Businesses have a responsibility to ensure age-restricted products are not sold to children and should have appropriate policies, staff training and age-verification procedures in place.