Councillors have been asked to agree improved plans to tackle the sale of tobacco and alcohol to young people.
Closer partnership working and more preventive measures are just part of proposals by Durham County Council’s Environment, Health and Consumer Protection Service (EHCP) to increase protection for the county’s children from age restricted products.
The council will continue to work with the police, health services and customs, as well as local alcohol and tobacco agencies, to tackle the problem of underage sales. As well as fully investigating all complaints received from the public and other traders, the sharing of information will allow for more targeted test purchases on suspected premises.
Along with further development of the council’s nationally recognised ‘Do You Pass?’ training, this will allow for retailers to be offered awareness training as well as sanctions at an earlier stage to stop problems before they develop.
The partner agencies will also continue to work together to target the problem of supplying tobacco from private residences. As well as raising awareness about the links between the illicit trade of goods and organised crime, this will also include seizing the assets of those breaking the law.
In February 2013, more than 30,000 cigarettes, 600 pouches of rolling tobacco and 300 bottles of wine were seized from a vehicle delivering to houses and other establishments.
Terry Collins, corporate director for neighbourhood services, said: “Through sharing information, partnership working and targeting problems at an earlier stage the council is ensuring that young people are protected as much as possible from accessing age restricted products. By working closely with our partner agencies, we can also combat the antisocial behaviour and impact on children’s health that goes hand in hand with underage sales.”
