Police cadets aged between 14 and 16, have taken part in a series of Trading Standards exercises where they attempted to buy age restricted items such as alcohol, vapes and tobacco from 20 different shops in Cambridgeshire.
On every occasion the teenage volunteers were challenged over their age and were refused sales when no proof could be provided.
The exercises took place over the summer as part of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Trading Standards continued crackdown on the sale of alcohol, vapes and tobacco to children.
Peter Gell, Head of Regulatory Services at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “This is a pleasing outcome for Cambridgeshire businesses demonstrating commitment not only to be legally compliant, but to protect the health of local young people.
“This is a topic close to the hearts of parents, schools, and local communities, who often report instances of underage sales to us, concerned about the harm it is causing to the health of local children.
“Whilst celebrating these successes, I recognise there is still work to do in this area and our test purchase operations will continue.
“I would urge businesses to remain vigilant, to train their employees, provide regular refresher training, and ensure adequate processes are in place to ensure children do not purchase age restricted products.”
Advice and guidance for businesses is available on the Business Companion website.
Neighbourhood Inspector Colin Norden, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: “We work to keep our communities safe from harm, and illicit cigarettes, vapes and tobacco pose a serious risk to health as well as fuel funding for other related criminal activity.
“Collaboration with agencies like this is all part of the ongoing work our neighbourhood policing teams do day in, day out, in response to concerns from the local community."
If you have concerns about young people accessing alcohol in your local area, please report these to Cambridgeshire Police online. Information about shops selling vapes or tobacco products to children under the age of 18 can be reported to Trading Standards advice partner, Citizens Advice Consumer Service, on 0808 223 1133 Monday to Friday or via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service online form over the weekend. You can remain anonymous if you wish.
