Four shops in 17 failed vape and tobacco sales tests to underage volunteers in a test purchasing operation conducted by Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils’ Trading Standards.
The visits, which took place in mid-March, resulted in three vape sales and a sale of cigarettes to the 16-year-old volunteers.
All 17 premises had previously received visits by Trading Standards to advise them of their legal obligations and offer advice on how they could comply.
Nine fixed penalty notices, each for £200, were issued in relation to the underage sales, as well as a failure to operate an age verification policy.
Convener of the Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, Cllr Jen Preston, said: “It is shocking that almost a quarter of the retailers visited by our Trading Standards team were content to sell these harmful products to underage volunteers. It is even more alarming when they had been warned about such dangerous activity before.
“This activity is not only illegal, but it can also put children at serious risk. Retailers should be warned, and parents and carers take assurance, that we will continue to listen to community concerns and work alongside partners to tackle this serious issue.
“We regularly carry out these operations to ensure premises abide by the legislation, and to safeguard the wellbeing of our young people and communities.
“The message to businesses is clear: Challenge anyone who looks under 25, always ask for ID and keep a record of refused sales.”
Further test purchasing operations will be carried out in the coming months by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils’ Trading Standards team to ensure that retailers comply with the law.
If you have information about illegal sales, please contact Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) on 0808 164 6000
