Dorset Council’s Trading Standards team is intensifying efforts to prevent young people from accessing harmful products by targeting illegal sales of age-restricted items.
The items covered include knives, alcohol, tobacco, vapes, solvents, fireworks, petrol, and age-rated films and computer games. Under the law, these products must not be sold to anyone below the legal age.
To monitor compliance, Trading Standards regularly conducts test purchases using young volunteers. While these checks have traditionally focused on high street stores, the rise in online shopping has prompted the team to adapt its approach to digital sales.
Knife crime remains a significant concern nationally, with recorded incidents up 87 per cent since 2014. Dorset has experienced a steady decline since 2019, although police figures indicate a slight increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.
In a recent initiative, Dorset Council tested five online retailers this autumn by attempting to purchase bladed items. Four were collected via click-and-collect counters, and one was delivered to a home address. In each case, the sale was refused when the young volunteer could not verify their age, and the home delivery was cancelled when the original purchaser was unavailable.
The results indicate that retailers are generally complying with regulations. However, Trading Standards says ongoing vigilance is essential to prevent children from accessing dangerous products online.
Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said:
“Protecting young people from harmful products is a top priority for Dorset Council. While it’s encouraging to see retailers taking their responsibilities seriously, we cannot afford to be complacent. We urge businesses to remain vigilant and the public to report any concerns. Together, we can keep our communities safe.”
Members of the public who suspect that businesses are selling age-restricted products to minors are encouraged to report concerns via Citizens Advice at 0808 223 1133. Businesses found breaking the law risk enforcement action.
