Three shops in Mid Ulster caught selling cigarettes to underage kids

Seventeen retailers refused to sell cigarettes or butane gas to a 14 year old during the random test exercise carried out by Mid Ulster District Council’s Environmental Health service, while three did sell cigarettes and a further business sold a gas lighter refill.

Commenting on the outcome of the test purchasing exercise, Councillor Christine McFlynn, Chair of the Council’s Environment Committee, said: “Naturally we are pleased that the majority of the premises involved complied with their obligations under the law, but it is unacceptable for any retailer to sell this type of product to an underage person.

“When there is any doubt, retailers should always ask to see proof of age, preferably photographic ID. The health of our young people is too important to leave to chance.

“Those retailers who failed the test purchasing exercise this time have all been issued with warning letters.”

As well as undertaking test purchasing exercises, the Council’s Environmental Health staff regularly visit retailers to raise awareness of the law and offer advice and guidance, particularly on the importance of training for all staff, whether full-time, part-time or casual.