SHOPS and off-licences which sell age restricted products are being warned to be more vigilant, following the latest round of undercover checks.

As a result of Slough Borough Council's test purchasing checks on Tuesday, June 28, two of the 10 shops sold alcohol to the volunteers and will now face enforcement action.

Russell Clarke, senior trading standards officer, said: “It’s disheartening that despite all the work we do with businesses to make sure they know which products are age restricted, some unscrupulous traders still think it is okay to sell to minors.

“We offer the Citizencard proof of age card to pupils aged 16 who live in Slough or attend a Slough secondary school, so there really is no excuse for businesses not to ask for proof of age.”

Tara O’Keefe, assistant licensing officer, said: “The retailers who sold alcohol to our volunteers have ‘Challenge 25’ policies in place and they display Challenge 25 posters at their premises.

“The fact that alcohol was sold to underage volunteers without any request for proof of age totally undermines our team’s objective of protecting children from harm.”

Councillor Paul Sohal, commissioner for regulation and consumer protection, said: “Every shopkeeper has a responsibility to abide by the law, which is there to prevent potentially harmful products getting into children’s hands.

“I hope the fact these stores have been caught will send a message to others that we’re out there doing checks and are prepared to take action against anyone who doesn’t stick to the rules.”

If you suspect a business is selling age restricted products to under 18s please report it to the trading standards team via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Information for businesses can be found at www.slough.gov.uk/uas The offence of selling age restricted products to minors can carry a hefty fine.