Oswestry trader caught selling cigarettes to children

Shropshire Council’s public protection and enforcement officers have recently carried out a test purchasing operation in Oswestry, and found a trader repeatedly sold cigarettes to school-aged children.  The operation was carried out in response to a significant number of complaints from the community and West Mercia Police.  

Tony Coffey, public protection officer, who led the operation, said:

“Despite the trader being fully advised about the law and his obligations following earlier complaints, we continued to receive information that youngsters were buying cigarettes from the trader.  It was clear that enforcement action was necessary.  Unfortunately, our two 14-year-old female volunteers, both dressed in their school clothing, were sold cigarettes on a number of occasions.  There was no apparent consideration of their age, and they were even sold a small quantity of single cigarettes for 40p each; in effect, ‘pocket money fags’, which is in itself very worrying and also against the law.”

Frances Darling, service manager – safer and stronger communities, in public protection and enforcement, said:

“As a result of the excellent work undertaken by a number of our officers, I can confirm that an investigation into the illegal sales has now commenced and a 53-year-old man from Oswestry has already been interviewed in connection with these sales.”

Frances Darling added:

“Traders that choose to ignore consumer protection laws, particularly those that affect the health and well-being of our children, can expect to be investigated and potentially prosecuted for their actions.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, commented:

“Everyone knows about the 18 age restriction on the sale of cigarettes.  It is there to help prevent children from taking up smoking.  We also know of the health problems that smoking can cause in later life, and the significant burden that is then placed on our health services.  It is clearly totally unacceptable that children were able to buy cigarettes, unchallenged, in this way.  I would strongly urge traders to adopt a ‘Challenge 25’ approach to age-restricted sales, to avoid making any mistakes.”

Traders who want advice and guidance on understanding the law and applying it in practice can contact the business support and locality working team, within public protection and enforcement, via 0345 678 9000.