⚠️ Reminder to Retailers: Knife Sales and Age Verification

Staffordshire Police is reminding all retailers, including high street stores, market traders and online sellers, of their legal responsibilities when selling knives and other bladed articles.

It is illegal to sell most knives and bladed articles to anyone under the age of 18. Recent changes to legislation have strengthened the requirements on retailers and increased the penalties for those who fail to comply.gov+1

Retailers must:

✅ Verify that the purchaser is aged 18 or over before completing a sale.
✅ Operate robust age-verification procedures, such as Challenge 25.
✅ Refuse sales where there are concerns a knife is being purchased on behalf of a person under 18.
✅ Ensure staff are trained and understand their legal responsibilities.gov+1

Additional requirements for online retailers:

✅ Carry out appropriate age-verification checks before a sale is completed.
✅ Ensure age verification is conducted again at the point of delivery.
✅ Ensure bladed articles are delivered directly to the purchaser and are not left unattended, with neighbours, or in a safe place.
✅ Report suspicious or bulk purchases of knives where required.gov+1

Retailers who sell knives to persons under 18 may face prosecution, with penalties including imprisonment and substantial fines. Recent legislation has increased the maximum sentence for unlawful sales.gov+1

By working together, we can help prevent knives from falling into the wrong hands and keep our communities safe.

If you require further advice regarding age-restricted sales or knife legislation, please contact your local neighbourhood policing team.