Shop fails test purchase as police and Trading Standards target stores selling E-cigarettes and alcohol to underage customers

Police have teamed up with Trading Standards and carried out a test purchasing operation for the underage sales of E-cigarettes and alcohol. These tests have been conducted at several stores across Skelmersdale, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton, with one shop failing the test purchase by selling an E-cigarette to the underage test purchaser. This will be dealt with by Trading Standards accordingly.

Test purchasing is when an underage person, who has not been made to appear any older than they are, attempts to purchase an item that requires age identification. The test purchaser does this under a police constable's direction and supervision.

We are aware that there has been a massive increase in the underage use of E-cigarettes, as well as alcohol, which is why we have carried out todays test purchase. We have done this in conjunction with the Easter holidays beginning and the increase of anti-social behaviour being seen. We will continue to work with Trading Standards and other partner agencies to crack down on this issue.