Zero tolerance approach from trading standards

"Comply with the law - or face the consequences" - that's the message from Rochdale Trading Standards team ahead of changes to the law around the sale of tobacco.

From 1 October 2007 it will become illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 (an increase from 16) in England and Wales.  Traders in the borough face penalties of up to £2,500 if they sell to minors - and fines of up to £1,000 if they don't display the correct signage.

Rochdale Trading Standards team is now working with colleagues in health to support the changes - and promise to take a hard line on anyone caught flouting the law.

Council Leader, Alan Taylor said: "Figures show that one in two lifelong smokers will be killed by their addiction and the younger you start, the more likely you are to die from a smoking related illness.  One of our priorities is to improve health and well-being in the borough and we want all traders to take a responsible attitude to the sale of tobacco. Where this is not the case, action will be taken."

Trading standards officers have been working with traders for many years to combat under-age sales. They will continue to ensure compliance by conducting test purchases across the borough with a view to prosecuting unscrupulous retailers who continue to break the law.

Chief Trading Standards Officer, Andy Glover said: "Part of the government's rationale in making these changes has been that raising the legal age to 18 will make it easier for retailers to spot under-age smokers.  In enforcing the new law, we are talking about protecting the health and well-being of the next generation and there can be no excuses for those who don't comply."

The government will be running a large scale campaign in the run up to the age change so that teenagers understand the reason behind the changes.

Changing the legal age of the sale of tobacco follows the introduction of the smokefree public places legislation on 1 July 2007 and is aimed at reducing smoking prevalence rates among young people.

Date article online: 29/08/2007