Posted on Thursday 5th June 2025
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council are backing a new campaign aimed at tackling the underage sale of age-restricted products, including alcohol, vapes, knives, and tobacco.
Trading Standards Teams across Central England are working together to protect young people from harmful products.
Running throughout Staffordshire, the Right Age, Right Sale campaign highlights the importance of retail compliance, community awareness, and enforcement action in preventing underage access to harmful products. It also provides advice for businesses, parents, carers, and communities on how to spot and report illegal sales.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Staffordshire County Council said:
Underage sales laws exist to protect young people, but when these laws aren’t followed, it can lead to serious risks to young people’s health and safety.
It’s really important that businesses are aware of their responsibilities and comply with the law. By working with them and with the local community and making sure they have the information they need we can all help to prevent illegal sales and protect young people.”
Businesses are urged to ensure they are following Challenge 25 policies, checking ID properly, and preventing proxy sales (where adults purchase restricted products on behalf of underage individuals).
Retailers can access free compliance resources online and people can report under age sales to Trading Standards on their confidential helpline on 01785 330356 or at Trading Standards webpage.