Oswestry trader caught selling cigarettes to children

Shropshire Council’s public protection and enforcement officers carried out a test purchasing operation in response to a significant number of complaints from the community and West Mercia Police.

An investigation into the illegal sales has now commenced and a 53-year-old man from Oswestry has been interviewed in connection with the sales.

Tony Coffey, public protection officer, who led the operation, said:

“Despite the trader being fully advised about the law and his obligations following earlier complaints, we continued to receive information that youngsters were buying cigarettes from the trader. It was clear that enforcement action was necessary.

“Unfortunately, our two 14-year-old female volunteers, both dressed in their school clothing, were sold cigarettes on a number of occasions. There was no apparent consideration of their age, and they were even sold a small quantity of single cigarettes for 40p each; in effect, ‘pocket money fags’, which is in itself very worrying and also against the law.”

Frances Darling, service manager – safer and stronger communities, in public protection and enforcement, said:

“Traders that choose to ignore consumer protection laws, particularly those that affect the health and well-being of our children, can expect to be investigated and potentially prosecuted for their actions.”