Adults caught in secret sting on proxy-buying
Thursday, 23rd December 2010.
Adults who bought alcohol or cigarettes for under-age people got caught by a trading standards sting in Haverhill on Monday.
Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk Police conducted a covert operation in to highlight the serious issue of buying alcohol and cigarettes for under 18s.
The operation formed part of an awareness campaign funded through the Western Suffolk Community Safety Partnership and is aimed at highlighting the issue of proxy sales to adults, traders and under 18s.
Of a total of eight adults that were approached to purchase alcohol, one bought alcohol for the two volunteers aged 15 and 16.
A total of eleven adults were approached to buy cigarettes, of which there was one sale.
James Garrett, fair trading officer, said: "Tackling proxy purchasing is vital if we are to stop alcohol getting into the hands of youngsters - those who buy alcohol on behalf of children need to know that they are committing a serious offence, which has consequences for the entire community.
"Off-licences must be aware that proxy purchasing is illegal and ensure they are doing all they can to prevent it and fulfil their duties as a responsible retailer."
Suffolk Police's licensing inspector Becky Kidd-Stanton said: "Police and trading Ssandards have been working together for some time to ensure licensed premises do not sell alcohol to under-age people - I am delighted that we are now able to carry out partnership proxy sales operations.
"A great deal of alcohol consumed by young people is bought by others, whether they are the parents of the children, older friends or just a person approached in the street.
"Buying alcohol for under-age people is irresponsible and illegal - if you are caught supplying alcohol to children you could receive anything from a fixed penalty notice to a £5,000 fine.
"Our joint operations will be carried out with the primary aim of education - we want people to realise the dangers they are putting young people in by giving them alcohol and to think again.
"However, we will deal firmly with anyone caught making a proxy sale and if appropriate they will receive a fine or be prosecuted."
Suffolk Trading Standards have also organised a Retailer Training Scheme which will run in the western area in the new year.
The scheme is designed to increase local business knowledge about age-restricted products and includes practical steps which can be taken to reduce illegal sales.
If a trader requires more information or details of the Retailer Training Scheme they can contact trading standards on 01473 264 859.
Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk Police conducted a covert operation in to highlight the serious issue of buying alcohol and cigarettes for under 18s.
The operation formed part of an awareness campaign funded through the Western Suffolk Community Safety Partnership and is aimed at highlighting the issue of proxy sales to adults, traders and under 18s.
Of a total of eight adults that were approached to purchase alcohol, one bought alcohol for the two volunteers aged 15 and 16.
A total of eleven adults were approached to buy cigarettes, of which there was one sale.
James Garrett, fair trading officer, said: "Tackling proxy purchasing is vital if we are to stop alcohol getting into the hands of youngsters - those who buy alcohol on behalf of children need to know that they are committing a serious offence, which has consequences for the entire community.
"Off-licences must be aware that proxy purchasing is illegal and ensure they are doing all they can to prevent it and fulfil their duties as a responsible retailer."
Suffolk Police's licensing inspector Becky Kidd-Stanton said: "Police and trading Ssandards have been working together for some time to ensure licensed premises do not sell alcohol to under-age people - I am delighted that we are now able to carry out partnership proxy sales operations.
"A great deal of alcohol consumed by young people is bought by others, whether they are the parents of the children, older friends or just a person approached in the street.
"Buying alcohol for under-age people is irresponsible and illegal - if you are caught supplying alcohol to children you could receive anything from a fixed penalty notice to a £5,000 fine.
"Our joint operations will be carried out with the primary aim of education - we want people to realise the dangers they are putting young people in by giving them alcohol and to think again.
"However, we will deal firmly with anyone caught making a proxy sale and if appropriate they will receive a fine or be prosecuted."
Suffolk Trading Standards have also organised a Retailer Training Scheme which will run in the western area in the new year.
The scheme is designed to increase local business knowledge about age-restricted products and includes practical steps which can be taken to reduce illegal sales.
If a trader requires more information or details of the Retailer Training Scheme they can contact trading standards on 01473 264 859.
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