Most traders selling cigarettes in South Ayrshire seem to be getting the message that it is illegal to sell tobacco to young people under 16 years of age. According to figures gathered during a recent test purchasing campaign by South Ayrshire Trading Standards, 89% of premises visited refused to sell cigarettes to the 14-year-old volunteers who took part in the campaign.

The project was carried out in various towns and villages in South Ayrshire and identified that only 2 out of the 19 premises visited were prepared to sell to the 14 year olds.

Commenting on the project Councillor Hugh Hunter the Council’s Community Safety Convener, said, ”As a result of a recent change in prosecution policy in Scotland, which South Ayrshire helped bring about, Trading Standards can now enlist the help of young volunteers to attempt to purchase cigarettes thereby identifying traders who are prepared to sell irresponsibly. It was heartening to see that the vast majority of retailers refused to sell to the young people used in this project. However it is still disappointing to note that sales were still made in 2 shops. At a time when one in five young people aged 15 are regular smokers, and 86% of these obtain cigarettes from shops, it is really time that the people responsible for making these sales took their responsibilities more seriously.”

Councillor Hunter added, “Test purchasing has really made traders more aware of the issues surrounding illegal sales to underage persons but it is only one of a number of methods used to prevent such sales. We have put a lot of effort into making local retailers aware of the legislation covering the sale of tobacco products including producing an Underage Sales Advice Pack and offering training visits to local businesses. The pack contains a wealth of information for local businesses on how to prevent sales to underage people as well as giving details on the Councils nominated proof of age scheme, Young Scot. Ultimately though it is only through the use of test purchasing carried out under strict conditions that we can establish whether traders are complying with the law and not selling.”

A spokesperson for Trading Standards said: “As a result of our findings reports are now being prepared for the Procurator Fiscal. Any trader or employee who would like advice on the prevention of the sale of age restricted products such as cigarettes, fireworks, or solvents should contact Trading Standards staff at the address below. Concerns regarding the sale of alcohol can of course be discussed with the Police”.

All young people aged over 12 years within the School system in South Ayrshire are offered a Young Scot card free of charge. This card allows young people to get discounts for a number of leisure services and within many shops, it is also a PASS accredited Proof of Age Card. Anyone outwith the school system within South Ayrshire can get the card free of charge from Trading Standards, 5/7 River Terrace, Ayr.

For further information on the Young Scot Card or for businesses looking for advice on how to prevent underage sales visit Trading Standards at 5/7 River Terrace, Ayr or call 01292 616060. Information is also available on the Trading Standards website at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

February 2006