Two Kilmarnock retailers have been given formal warnings for selling canisters of cigarette lighter gas to a 16 year old following an initiative by East Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards Service.
Trading Standards Officers, accompanied by a 16 year old volunteer visited retailers in an attempt to purchase cigarettes lighter refills, which can only be sold to over 18’s.
Two retailers failed to recognise that the volunteer was well below the legal age to buy the butane gas product and made a sale. The two retailers and an employee of each retailer have been issued with a formal warning letter.
Councillor Tom Cook, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities said: “This initiative highlights the Council’s commitment to protecting the health and welfare of young people in East Ayrshire and should serve as a warning to those who sell age restricted products, such as cigarette lighter gas, to remain vigilant.
“As a safeguard, it is recommended that retailers adopt a Challenge 25 policy when selling age restricted products. If adhered to by staff, this should ensure that anyone attempting to buy these products is asked to prove their age if they appear to be under 25.”