ACS

Liberal Democrat survey data suggesting that 22% of shops are willing to sell tobacco to children has been strongly criticized by retailers and trade associations alike.

Retailers have dismissed the allegations that they deliberately sell tobacco to underage buyers, and note that Trading Standards officials are often encouraged to carry out test purchases in problem stores.

Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive James Lowman said: "Any test purchase failures are regrettable and every retailer needs to get the best processes and systems in place.

"We have to remember that local authorities tend to test premises where they believe there are problems, so the test purchase failure rates are not based on a representative sample."

Liberal Democrat shadow communities and local government secretary Julia Goldsworthy said she wanted to see a 'one strike and you're out policy' directed against retailers. "Too many shopkeepers are getting away scot-free with selling cigarettes and alcohol to underage children," she said. "We need to send a strong message to those who are ignoring these important age regulations."

The comments have also been criticized by the Tobacco Retailers Alliance, who have branded the survey “not only misleading, but also inaccurate.” TRA spokesperson Ken Patel told Convenience Store Magazine's Gaelle Walker: “Government figures show that youth access to tobacco from shops is at an all-time low, and has decreased significantly in recent years.”