Shops caught selling knives to underage teens in Trading Standards operation
Shops have been caught out selling knives and other bladed items to underage teens in a sting led by Trading Standards officers.
Lincolnshire Trading Standards targeted nine shops in Lincoln, Sleaford and Grantham on Saturday (November 22), when two volunteers aged 15 and 16 attempted to purchase knives from the retailers.
Despite it being against the law to sell bladed products to people under the age of 18, four of the nine shops sold kitchen and ‘Stanley’ knives to the young volunteers and failed to challenge them and ask for proof of age.
These offending retailers will receive a written warning from Trading Standards and will be subject to follow-up test purchases, says the authority. Repeat offences could result in prosecution and substantial fines.
Commenting, Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It was brilliant to visit The Happening at Sleaford Police Station and see first-hand the impact the centre has in making young people aware of the dangers and life-changing consequences of carrying knives.
“The Underage Sales Operations conducted by Lincolnshire Trading Standards are another of the tools in our armoury. By reminding shopkeepers of their legal responsibilities, we are helping to stop these dangerous items from falling into the hands of our young people.
“Our officers will not hesitate to pursue criminal prosecutions against those unscrupulous owners who continue to put profit ahead of our young people’s safety.”
Comprehensive guidance on the laws covering the sale of knives and other bladed items is available on the Business Companion website https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/underage-sales/knives-other-bladed-items-and-corrosive-substances#Keepingwithinthelaw, alongside advice on introducing an age verification policy.
Trading Standards can also provide advice on the sale of age restricted products. Email: [email protected], or call 01522 552490.
If you know of anyone selling age restricted products to persons under the age of 18, you can report it via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on - 0808 223 1133.