Officers will identify themselves to any business at time of entry UNLESS for operational reasons the purpose of the visit is for surveillance or silent test purchase.

Officers will show their warrants if asked and provide means of checking their identity.

The main purpose of routine inspection is to ensure compliance with legislative requirements. Officers will provide any information needed to businesses to help them comply.

The Officer will hand to the owner or representative of the business a completed inspection form. This will act as a reminder to the business what was inspected, what required putting right and contact details with the Trading Standards Service.

Officers should offer to supply any relevant leaflets or guidance notes at the time of inspection if they have them or sent later if the business requests it.

Minor infringements may be dealt with by means of advice or instructions, verbal warning, follow up letter, a re-visit or any combination of these.

More serious offences will require reporting through the officer’s line manager for a decision on any further action that may be required.