Children in Northumberland to carry on spying

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Posted by The Journal on Jan 14, 09 02:07 PM in News

Consumer watchdogs in Northumberland are to continue using children as "shop spies" in a bid to catch retailers who break the law on sales to under-age youngsters.

Child volunteers - who carry out test purchases in shops, stores and supermarkets - have been used for years by county trading standards officials as part of the regulation system.

They are used in a bid to identify retailers who flout the law on illegally selling alcohol, cigarettes and aerosols to under-age children.

Now the county council's executive has agreed to continue the checks for the next 12 months following a review of its enforcement programme.

Jim Rutter, head of Northumberland trading standards department, said: "Our enforcement programme is great at driving home the message to retailers that they can't get away with trying to make money out of selling illegally to children.''

Trading standards are looking for more child volunteers, aged from 13 to 15.

Their parents should call (01670) 534585 and leave their name and a telephone number where they can be contacted.

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