Trading Standards

Age Related Sales

It is an offence to sell substances to persons under 18 if you know or think that the substance is likely to be inhaled for the purpose of 'getting high'.
It is also an offence to sell substances you think will be inhaled, to persons acting on behalf of someone who is under 18.
It is an offence to sell gas butane lighter refills to anyone under 18.
If you are not sure that the customer is over the age of 18 and they appear to be under 21, ask for proof of age.
If you are still not sure refuse the sale.
If you suspect that an older person is buying on behalf of someone under 18, to inhale, refuse the sale.
Many products can be classed as solvents although there is no definitive list. Those most commonly abused are:
- solvent based glue
- dry cleaning fluid
- correction fluid and thinner
- marker pens
- aerosols
- nail varnish remover

Solvent abuse kills 60 young people each year - more young people than heroin, cocaine and ecstasy combined.
6% of young people between the age of 13 and 15 years within South Ayrshire admit to using solvents, which is higher than the national average of 4%.

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