LACORS Figures Show Increase in Underage Tobacco Sales
LACORS (the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) test purchasing figures for tobacco has shown an increase in the failure rate for retailers from 13% to 19% in the past year.
The test purchasing campaign was carried out over a six month period across England, following the increase in the legal purchasing age of tobacco to 18. The worst performance method of tobacco retail was vending machine operators, who failed 41% of test purchasing visits. The off-licences performed best, but still failed 14% of visits.
Smaller retailers and petrol kiosks failed 15% of visits, this was less than larger national retailers who failed 19% of visits.
James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS said: “These figures are a reminder for all retailers to be extremely diligent and vigilant when it comes to tobacco sales. Even taking into account the difficulties retailers face implementing the tobacco age change, this increase in failure rate is unacceptable.
“New tobacco banning orders are set to be introduced next year, which would see retailers facing bans of up to one year if caught breaking the law on underage tobacco sales. This means it is even more vital that retailers implement a strong procedure for selling tobacco. This must include training staff to challenge everyone who appears under-21 by asking them for ID, and promoting PASS approved proof of age cards such as CitizenCard.”
LACORS also reported the success of policing the smoking ban, which came in a year ago today, commenting ahead of the first anniversary of the smoking ban in England on 1 July, Cllr Geoffrey Theobald OBE, chairman of LACORS, said “One year on it's clear that the switch to smokefree workplaces in England has been an overwhelming success. The high level of compliance is testament not only to the businesses, landlords and members of the public who have wholeheartedly embraced the new law but also to the council enforcement officers who have carried out their work with a light touch, an even hand, and a commitment to advising people rather than punishing them.