Last week, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team joined forces with the police to carry out a number of test purchase operations on premises selling alcohol and tobacco.



Working with the Police Cadets (aged 13-16 years old), the young people visited the businesses and attempted to purchase alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes.



The initiative, known as Operation Sceptre, saw the Police Cadets try and buy the products from 68 local businesses and as a result only four failed the test. These four businesses will now face further action which could include having their licences reviewed.



Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Operations like this are really important to ensure the safety of young people and to make sure that they don’t get their hands on products, such as alcohol and cigarettes.



“I’m really pleased that the majority of the businesses passed the test, and I would like to say a huge thank you to the Police Cadets and of course our Trading Standards officers for their joint work on this.”



The council Trading Standards teams are encouraging businesses to make sure they’re implementing the following things when they’re selling age restricted products:



1.    Introduce a Challenge 25 Policy – ask people for ID, if they don’t look 25 

2.    Maintain a Refusals Register – make a note of people who they have refused to sell to

3.    Regularly train staff and keep records

4.    Introduce a till prompt system – a prompt to ask people for ID

5.    Have CCTV and other deterrents



If residents are aware of businesses selling age restricted products to young people, they should report them to tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.