Police and Trading Standards join forces to tackle underage vape and alcohol sales

90% of Plymouth retailers were found to be compliant with sales of age-restricted products as part of an operation that took place last week.

On Monday 8 June, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Child-Centred Policing Team and Plymouth Police Cadets worked with The Heart of the South West Trading Standards to conduct a test purchase operation in the city centre.

The operation aimed to assess compliance with legislation relating to the sale of age-restricted products, including vapes and alcohol.

A total of 20 retail premises across Plymouth were visited, and only two failed; both for selling vapes to a person under the age of 18.

Youth Interventions Officer, PC Michelle Evans ran the operation. She said: "This was a really positive result, and it was reassuring that the vast majority of retailers were compliant.

"I want to be clear that our aim isn't to catch shops or employees out, but to make sure everyone is playing their part in keeping young people safe.

"By preventing vapes and tobacco products being sold to people under 18, we can also reduce possible harm and antisocial behaviour that may be linked with accessing age restricted products."

Follow-up action is being progressed in relation to retailers that did not meet the required standards during the test purchase operation.

A spokesperson at Trading Standards added: “We are pleased to have worked jointly with our colleagues at Devon & Cornwall Police on this operation.

“It is good that the vast majority of premises we visited acted responsibly and refused the sale.

“Targeted activity like this is essential to protect young people from harm by ensuring that businesses fully understand and uphold their legal responsibilities.”

This activity forms part of ongoing intelligence-led work, supported by information provided by the public.

Anyone with concerns regarding the sale of age-restricted products to minors is encouraged to report this to Devon & Cornwall Police by calling 101 or filling in a form on the force website: Home | Devon & Cornwall Police

A free toolkit is available to retailers to prevent underage sale. You can read more here: No proof of age no sale