Half of Sandwell stores sold knives, vapes and alcohol to kids

Almost half of stores in Sandwell sold age-restricted products to children, a recent investigation has found.

Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards performed a series of undercover test purchases with young volunteers, and 27 of 58 stores (47%) sold knives, alcohol and vape products to the youths.

In partnership with Sandwell Police, the council said it will “shut down underage sales” and crack down on businesses selling illegal goods.

It comes after the council seized more than three quarters of a million pounds (£763,393.93) worth of illicit tobacco, vapes and cigarettes over the past year.

The council has warned it would take action against shops that break the rules. It plans to issue warnings, apply for closure orders, bring prosecutions and review shop licences, it said. 

“All businesses have a clear responsibility to customers and the wider community,” said Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Community.

“We must do all we can to keep knives off our streets. People’s safety and health cannot be put at risk and it’s very worrying that knives, alcohol and vapes are being sold to children. And the financial gains from illicit tobacco and illegal vape sales often fund organised crime, money laundering and human trafficking.”