Barking and Dagenham Council Trading Standards team has stepped up enforcement activity and is targeting the illegal sale of age-restricted products during the school summer holidays.

On Tuesday 21 July, two underage volunteer test purchasers took part in a series of 20 vape test purchasing operations across the borough. Only two businesses sold vapes to the young volunteers, resulting in a local business failure rate of 10%.

Whilst any illegal sale is unacceptable, the results demonstrate the positive impact of the Council's ongoing work with local businesses and retailers on underage sales prevention.

Trading Standards officers continue to work closely with businesses through the Council's Responsible Retailer Scheme, which supports retailers to strengthen age verification procedures, and ensure age-restricted products are not sold to anyone under 18. Over 100 businesses in borough have signed up to the scheme, demonstrating a strong local commitment to responsible retailing and the protection of our young people.

The two businesses that failed the test purchasing exercise will face formal enforcement action, which could include prosecution.

Trading Standards officers regularly carry out test purchasing operations for products such as vapes, alcohol, tobacco and knives as part of its work to safeguard children and young people, support responsible businesses, and ensure compliance with the law.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: "Protecting children and young people from age-restricted products is a key priority. We're pleased to see the vast majority of businesses acting responsibly by refusing underage sales, and we thank those retailers who have signed up to our Responsible Retailer Scheme."

"However, we will continue to take firm action against those who choose to break the law.”

Retailers are encouraged to adopt measures such as Challenge 25, staff training, refusals registers, age-verification prompts and clear signage to help prevent underage sales.

Businesses wishing to receive advice, support or join the Responsible Retailer Scheme can contact the Trading Standards team at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.