During the school summer holidays, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team joined forces with a group of young people to crack down on the illegal sale of age-restricted products to under-18s.

A series of test purchase operations were carried out across the borough, targeting the sale of vapes, cigarettes, and alcohol. Underage volunteers attempted to buy these products from local shops.

Out of 71 businesses tested, only four sold age-restricted items to the young people, meaning 94% of businesses passed the checks.

The operations were timed to coincide with the school holidays, when data shows young people are more likely to attempt to buy these products.

Test purchase results

• 23 July – 20 premises tested for vape sales: 2 failed (10% failure rate)
• 30 July – 15 premises tested for alcohol: 1 failed (7% failure rate)
• 6 August – 19 premises tested for vapes: all passed (0% failure rate)
• 28 August – 17 premises tested (7 alcohol, 7 vapes, 3 tobacco): 1 failed (6% failure rate)

Businesses that fail a test purchase face further investigation, which may lead to written warnings, licensing reviews, prosecutions, or closure orders.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Protecting our young people from harmful products like alcohol and tobacco is a top priority. It’s reassuring to see that the vast majority of our local businesses are doing the right thing and following the rules.

“I’d also like to thank the young volunteers who took part in these operations - they’ve played a vital role in helping us keep our borough safe.”

Residents who suspect a business is selling age-restricted products to underage customers are encouraged to contact Trading Standards at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.