Businesses caught selling cigarettes to under agers fined

THREE businesses have been issued with fixed penalties by Moray Council’s trading standards officers after selling cigarettes to under-18s.

The sales were made to 14-year-old volunteers during a test purchase exercise carried out by trading standards.

Fixed penalties of £200 were issued to all three business owners and to two members of staff who made the sales.

They are the first fixed penalties to be issued by Moray Council for under-age tobacco sales since the introduction of new legislation earlier this year.

Test purchases were carried out at 22 businesses which had been given advance notice that the exercise was being conducted.

Moray Council’s trading standards manager, Peter Adamson said it was a disappointing outcome which showed that some retailers did not have sufficient safeguards in place to prevent illegal sales.

"The situation has worsened since 2009 when only three out of 97 test purchases resulted in sales," he said. "I am particularly concerned that sales took place even though the volunteers were well below the age limit for cigarettes and that businesses were told in advance that test purchases were to take place."

The new legislation requires sellers to look for approved proof of age if they believe the buyer may be under 18. Identification required can be a passport, photo driving licence or card with the PASS hologram such as the Access Moray/Young Scot card.

Trading standards officers now have the power to issue fixed penalties ranging from £150 to over £1000 depending on the circumstances. Failure to pay can result in a report going to the fiscal.

If a business repeatedly sells cigarettes to under-18s the council can apply for a banning order which prevents the business from selling tobacco.

Mr Adamson said his staff will be following up the sales with advice and assistance to businesses, followed by further test purchases.