Trading Standards officers in Denbighshire are warning retailers to be more vigilant after two were found to have illegally sold age restricted video recordings to an underage volunteer, one sold a computer game and the other a DVD.
The sales were made during a test purchase exercise carried out at a range of outlets including major high street retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores and small independent outlets throughout Denbighshire. The owners of the two premises and the sales assistants now face the possibility of prosecution.
It is an offence to supply or offer to supply a video recording to any person who has not attained the age specified on the recording.
Trading Standards officer, Zoe Ankers-Phillips said: “The vast majority of premises adhered to the law and refused to sell the video recordings to the young person and many of the premises have good systems in place to prevent such under-age sales happening, however, it is obvious that some other traders are not so diligent.”
“I would strongly urge all sales staff to be vigilant and if in doubt, always ask for proof of age.”
The investigation into the two underage sales is continuing and those involved will be interviewed before a decision is made as to the appropriate course of action.
Youngsters aged between 14 – 16 who would like to become volunteers for test purchase exercises can contact trading standards on 01824 706057.
