On New Year’s Eve, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team carried out an underage test-purchasing operation at licensed premises across the borough – and every business tested passed.

As part of the operation, officers visited 23 licensed premises to ensure alcohol was not sold to anyone under 18. The results demonstrate that businesses are taking their responsibilities seriously and working with the council to uphold the law.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Preventing the sale of alcohol to under-18s is a vital part of reducing risk and harm in our communities. 

“We’re pleased to see businesses working with us to protect young people and keep celebrations safe. Together, we can make Barking and Dagenham a safer place for everyone.”

Trading Standards is reminding businesses to continue following best practice:

• Operate a Challenge 25 policy
• Display clear and prominent age-restriction signage
• Use till prompts to remind staff of age checks
• Maintain an up-to-date refusals register
• Provide regular refresher training for staff
• Keep alcohol securely out of reach
• Ensure CCTV systems are fully operational

If residents have any age-related concerns about a business in Barking and Dagenham, they should report it to Trading Standards at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk or contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.