Retailers sign up for scheme to tackle underage purchases
About 50 retailers from across the city have now received Responsible Retailer Scheme certificates from the Lord Mayor, Coun Sylvia Dunkley.
The aim of the scheme is to stop children being able to buy products such as tobacco, alcohol, solvents, fireworks and spray paints.
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Hide AdGreg Ward, from Sheffield Council’s trading standards unit, said: “Unfortunately, in today’s society it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the ages of young customers, and teenagers are becoming more and more confident, even aggressive, in their pursuit of age-restricted products.
“When confronted by a young customer, retailers are advised to ask to see a recognised identification card or document bearing a current photograph and date of birth of the holder as proof of age before selling age-restricted items.
“We have produced a pack containing information on age-restricted products and the laws around their sale to help retailers train their staff to conform to underage sales legislation.
“This has been distributed free of charge to all premises visited.”
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Hide AdTo become a member of the Responsible Retailer Scheme, shops have to abide by all age-restricted sales legislation, refuse to sell items to customers who are underage and prove they are complying with the law. Proof is obtained by shops finding 50 regular customers who are prepared to nominate the retailer for the award.
Checks are also carried out using trading standards and South Yorkshire Police records.
Coun Dunkley said: “The trading standards team has received some very encouraging feedback regarding the effectiveness of the project.
“Many participating retailers have reported a noticeable fall in the number of young children asking for age-restricted products and staff felt more confident about challenging young customers about their age and demanding appropriate ID.”
She added: “Many retailers have also commented on the usefulness of the window sticker, both as an indicator of scheme membership and also an effective deterrent.”