Police Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council’s Trading Standards team have responded to concerns over underage sales in Kinross.
Officers this month visited a number of licensed premises in the town reminding traders of their legal responsibility.
Perth and Kinross Council has said – where appropriate – it will take more formal action.
On Monday, January 13 community constables and Trading Standards officers went to various licensed premises in Kinross and – as well as reminding traders of their legal responsibilities – offered support with any issues regarding underage sales. The concerns raised by members of the public appear to have been around the sale of vapes/tobacco to under 18s.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Our Trading Standards team regularly work with Police Scotland regarding age-restricted goods such as Nicotine Vaporizing Products (Vapes) and tobacco. This work is used to ensure that retailers are aware of their responsibilities under the law, and in addition more formal action will be taken where this is deemed appropriate – this includes informal and formal warnings, the seizing of illegal items and, potentially, prosecution reports being submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Police Scotland encouraged anyone with concerns to contact Trading Standards or Crimestoppers.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers will continue to work with partners regarding any concerns over age-restricted products being sold from local businesses.
“Anyone with any concerns can report this to Police Scotland on 101, to your local authority Trading Standards Department, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson welcomed the action being taken.
The local Liberal Democrat councillor said: “I am really pleased these checks are taking place. Licensed retailers must be vigilant and have systems in place to ensure licensed products are only sold to those legally permitted to buy it.”