Council call for more powers and funding to help stop underage sales of knives and vapes
Members of Lancashire County Council have called for tougher penalties for businesses that sell knives and vapes to children.
At a meeting of full council on Thursday 13 March, councillors voted to ask chief executive Mark Wynn to write to government ministers to request additional funding and powers for Trading Standards officers.
Mr Wynn will now write to the Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP to urge him to increase the amount given in on-the-spot fines and fixed penalty notices for businesses who break the law, as well as considering how to restrict the opening hours of retailers found guilty of more serious offences or repeat offenders.
Mr Wynn will also write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to request additional funding to support the work of Trading Standards.
During a debate, councillors heard about a national increase in knife crime and young people vaping who had never previously smoked.
Members praised the work of Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team, who participate in regular operations to carry out test purchases of age restricted products such as knives, vapes and alcohol.
Lancashire is a "Check 25" county which means businesses should be checking photographic ID of every customer who looks under the age of 25 to help prevent illegal sales.
However, councillors acknowledged that greater powers are needed to deter businesses who sell age restricted products to underage young people.
County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "I thank our Trading Standards team for the excellent work they do, as I have seen at first hand when I have accompanied them in test purchasing operations.
"I supported the call for additional funding, as this would allow our Trading Standards team to do even more to further protect Lancashire consumers and support honest businesses.
"Our Trading Standards team do an excellent job in protecting Lancashire's residents and will always take the strongest action possible against those who break the law.
"It would assist our team to take even stronger action against businesses that prioritise their profits over the health and wellbeing of our community if they had additional powers. We have therefore called on the Government to grant us these powers.
"There is no place in Lancashire for these unscrupulous businesses. If you have concerns about the sale of any age-restricted products, you can report this to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133."