Age Restricted Sales and Worcestershire Regulatory Services

Age Restricted Sales and Worcestershire RegulatoryServicesIt is a well known fact that many social problems including antisocial behaviour,teenage pregnancies and poor school performance can be directly linked to themisuse of age restricted products by young persons.Worcestershire Regulatory Services have a role within Worcestershire's communitiesto help reduce the negative impact of age restricted products and to enforce lawswhich are designed to protect children and young people. Retailers and licenseeshave a responsibility to adhere to the law and only sell products in a responsiblemanner.Worcestershire Regulatory Services have powers to enforce underage saleslegislation, however we are aware that businesses also require support and areready to offer guidance to traders and their staff to help them understand and abideby the law. Support materials and a staff training package, called the S.T.A.Rscheme (for further information contact 01905 765371) are offered free of charge tobusinesses within Worcestershire.Facts - a guide follows which provides further information on age restricted products:ProductSupply toMaximum penalty for selling tounderage personsTobacco products 18 and over £2,500Offensive Weapons/Knives 18 and over £5,000 & up to 6 monthsCaps, cracker snaps, noveltymatches, party poppers,serpents and throw downs16 and over £5,000 & up to 6 monthsFireworks and sparklers 18 and over £5,000 & up to 6 monthsVideos, video and computer 12 and over £5,000 & up to 6 months;games: Classification 12imprisonmentVideos, video and computergames: Classification 15Videos, video and computergames: Classification 1815 and over £5,000 & up to 6 months;imprisonment18 and over £5,000 & up to 6 months;imprisonmentVolatile substances/solvents 18 and over £5,000 & up to 6 monthsCrossbows 18 and over £5,000 & up to 6 monthsAirguns and pellets18 and overLighter refills containing 18 and over £5,000 & up to 6 monthsbutaneLottery tickets/Instant Win 16 and over £5,000 & up to 2 yearscardsAerosol paint 16 and over £2,500Alcohol 18 and over £5,000 & forfeit of licence

A table showing the Classifications regarding supply of recordingsABBREVIATION CLASSIFICATION ONLY TO BE SOLD TO:U Universal UnrestrictedUcUniversal – particularly Unrestrictedsuitable for childrenPGParental Guidance – general Unrestrictedviewing but some scenesmay be unsuitable for youngchildren12 Suitable only for persons 12 12 years and overyears and over15 Suitable only for persons 15 15 years and overyears and over18 Suitable only for persons 18 18 years and overyears and overR18 Suitable only for persons 18years and over18 years and over in alicensed sex shopContact Worcestershire Regulatory ServicesConsumer Advice - regarding issues relating to ‘Consumer goods or Services’contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506, alternatively researchyour consumer rights on the HM Government, DirectGov website www.direct.gov.ukBusiness Advice only - telephone 0845 330 3313, or emailwrsenquiries@worcsregservices.gov.ukPostal address – Worcestershire Regulatory Services, PO Box 866, Worcester,WR1 9DPFind us on Facebook: facebook.com/worcsregservicesFollow us on Twitter: @worcsrs