Mixed results in shop testing (From Penarth Times)

Mixed results in shop testing

PENARTH'S teenage drinking and smoking epidemic is to be tackled in a hard-hitting operation.

Vale of Glamorgan Council Trading Standards officers have targeted a number of shops throughout the area to check whether cigarettes, fireworks and alcohol are being sold to underage children.

It is an offence for a trader to sell cigarettes to children under 16 and fireworks and alcohol to children under 18.

But the exercise carried out by Vale Council trading standards officers produced some very differing results.

In relation to cigarettes and/or fireworks, 12 traders were approached by a 13-year-old boy and in every case, the youngster was asked for either his age or identification and politely refused service.

A trading standards spokesman said: "In many cases, assistants also took time to explain the law."

Unfortunately, when 10 premises were visited by a 15-year-old girl wishing to buy alcohol, she was served with cider on four occasions.

The spokesman added: "In each of these four cases, no-one asked the girl her age or for any identification and, with the increase in under age drinking problems, this gives great cause for concern."

While congratulating all those traders complying with the law, the spokesman added: "We recognise that children out of school uniform can appear older that they actually are and our advice to traders is that, if in doubt, always ask for identification.

If it isn't produced, don't sell.

Traders are further advised to give in-store prominence to posters regarding the law and to ensure that staff are fully conversant with the requirements of the legislation.

Trading standards will be carrying out a further survey of licensed premises in the near future.

The council's trading standards are also eager to hear the views of the public and traders in relation to the sale of fireworks.

A simple form is available from the council offices which allows members of the public a chance to state their views on when they think fireworks should be sold.

For more information, contact the Civic Offices on 01446 701111.