The number of Reading retailers illegally selling cigarettes to under 18 year olds in Reading during test purchasing exercises has fallen significantly over the past two years, thanks to a sustained campaign by the Trading Standards team.
Reading Borough Council’s Trading Standards branch began carrying out test purchasing exercises across the town in 2008 to clamp down on businesses were flouting the law.
In 2008 more than 34% (12 sales from 34 visits) of Reading businesses where the test purchasing took place failed by selling cigarettes to a youngster aged under 18. In 2009 so far the figure stands at just over 10% (3 sales from 28 visits).
Over the last year officers across Reading Borough Council and the south east region have been working hard to reduce the level of illegal sales. Officers carried out test purchases last autumn and followed them up with advice to shop managers and staff.
A Reading newsletter was also produced and sent to all retailers of age restricted goods giving information and guidance on how to avoid under-age sales. In particular it stressed the need to challenge young people and always ask for photo ID if there is any doubt about age.
Cllr Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Reading Environment and Sustainability said: "The second phase of test purchasing has so far shown a significant drop in under-age sales thanks to our intervention work. We would like to reduce the level of sales still further and there is still more work to do".
Trading Standards is at the frontline in preventing cigarette sales to children and young people under 18. The service gives advice and guidance to retailers on how to avoid making under-age sales and takes legal action against those who are blatantly negligent or persistently break the law.
Officers also enforce strict controls on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products, including the new pictorial health warnings.
Trading Standards officers have also been working closely with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to deal with illicit supplies of tobacco, such as counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes. Officers have identified a number of sources and passed this information on to the HMRC who seize property and prosecute those engaged in this criminal activity.
Tobacco smuggling nationally costs up to £3billion a year in lost tax: money that would otherwise be spent on public services. It also damages honest local businesses by taking their custom. If you have an information about smuggled tobacco, alcohol or fuel please call 0800 595000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs-hotline
If you have concerns about anyone selling cigarettes to youngsters please contact Trading Standards on 0118 939 0900 or email consumerprotection@reading.gov.uk. For more information, visit www.reading.gov.uk then follow the links to "Business" then to "Trading Standards".
Reading Borough Council
