West Berkshire retailers pass the test for cigarette sales

West Berkshire Council's Trading Standards Service conducted the test purchasing exercise on 31 retailers between January and the end of March, and found that no retailer visited sold tobacco to the under age volunteers - an improvement on a similar survey carried out last autumn in which five retailers were caught illegally selling cigarettes to under 18-year-olds.
The survey targeted large supermarkets, garages and small independent retailers across West Berkshire and Wokingham.
The lead officer for public health at the Trading Standards service, Caroline Stevenson, said: “This is all part of a wider strategy working alongside colleagues from the NHS to reduce youth smoking. This includes a comprehensive education programme in schools, working with retailers by providing training for staff, and offering smoking cessation advice to young people”.
Anyone wishing for advice or looking to join the Responsible Retailer Scheme or who would like to book places on the age restricted sales training courses should contact the Trading Standards helpline on (01635) 519930.