Local businesses warned after shops sell knives to under age children

Two shops are under investigation after selling knives to a 14-year-old underage volunteer.

Earlier this month an underage sales exercise was conducted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s trading standards team as part of Operation Sceptre, a campaign which seeks to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife, and to promote responsible sales by knife retailers. 

Four premises were tested across the city with two premises, both in Burslem selling a kitchen knife to the volunteers.

Prior to the exercise premises had been given advice on the systems they needed to have in place to prevent under age sales.

This comes as a business was recently fined £8500 by North Staffordshire Magistrates Court for selling an axe to an underage volunteer during a similar exercise in August last year.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “We are disappointed that two businesses did not have appropriate systems in place despite previous advice being given. We are committed to working closely with local businesses to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and to take appropriate enforcement action to protect our communities.

“We urge all businesses to remain diligent in their efforts to verify the age of customers, particularly when selling items with age restrictions. Together, we can create a safer environment for our young residents and communities”. 

 To report premises selling age restricted products such as knives, vapes, tobacco or alcohol contact our Trading Standards team on 0808 223 1133, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call our fakes hotline on 01782 238884.