Test Purchasers Uncover Illegal and Under-age Sales

TAMESIDE trading standards officers and police partners uncovered illegal sales of alcohol, tobacco and vapes when they mounted a test-purchase operation covering Ashton, Audenshaw and Hyde.

Acting on intelligence supplied by the public that restricted products were being sold to minors, they arranged for two volunteers aged under 18 to attempt to buy vapes and/or alcohol at six shops.

Three  sales of vapes were made at three premises and both alcohol and vapes was bought at a fourth. In addition, at two of the shops, large quantities of illegal vapes were seized (342 at one and 110 at the other). Sales were refused at two shops.

Officers also checked to see if there was any unauthorised storage or supply of fireworks but no issues were found.

Enforcement action will be determined in due course.  

Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, Cllr Laura Boyle, said: “Public protection is a key priority for Tameside Council and our officers will always take enforcement action where necessary to help keep our residents safe and to support the vast majority of businesses that comply with the law.

“Trade in illicit tobacco and vapes supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people. It also costs the country billions in lost tax revenue, limiting the availability of public funding available for valued frontline services.”