Trading Standards Officers from Newham Council continue to carry out test purchase operations to ensure that local businesses are not selling cigarettes to young people.
The recent test purchases saw young people, under the age of 18, attempting to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products from a number of different businesses in the borough.
The recent operation uncovered some alarming results with 14 businesses tested, and only 8 passing, by refusing to sell cigarettes or tobacco to under-aged customers.
Six businesses failed to prevent the sale of cigarette or tobacco products to minors.
The failed business premises will now be investigated as part of Trading Standards’ ongoing enquiries.
It’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase any type of cigarette or tobacco product in England.
If you have information about the sale of age-restricted products to children in Newham, you can make a report via the London Trading Standards consumer crime tool.
You can also report information that is associated with the sale of unsafe products, or people dealing in fake or illicit tobacco that is offered for sale.