Liberal Democrat survey data suggesting that 22% of shops are willing to sell tobacco to children has been strongly criticised by retailers and trade associations alike.
Retailers have dismissed the allegations that they deliberately sell tobacco to under-age buyers, and note that Trading Standards officials are often encouraged to carry out test purchases in problem stores.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “Any test purchase failures are regrettable and every retailer needs to get the best processes and systems in place.
“We have to remember that local authorities tend to test premises where they believe there are problems, so the test purchase failure rates are not based on a representative sample.”
Liberal Democrat shadow communities and local government secretary Julia Goldsworthy said she wanted to see a ‘one strike and you’re out policy’ directed against retailers.
She said: “Too many shopkeepers are getting away scot-free with selling cigarettes and alcohol to under-age children.
“We need to send a strong message to those who are ignoring these important age regulations.”
The comments have also been criticised by the Tobacco Retailers Alliance (TRA), which has branded the survey misleading and inaccurate.
