Trading standards

Herefordshire Council's Trading Standards team are responsible for enforcing laws regarding the sale of alcohol, tobacco and other products to underage people.

We work with retailers to ensure that they and their staff understand the law. We also use young volunteers, in accordance with strict guidelines, to test if retailers are selling to young persons and will take the appropriate enforcement action if they do so. Any employee who sells alcohol to a young person is liable for an £80 fine. If you are unsure of the age, refuse the sale.

Adults are also subject to an £80 fine if they buy alcohol for a young person who has asked them. If you witness an underage sale please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.

Online retailer responsibilities

Visit Business Companion's page on Online Sales of Age restricted products for further information and to understand your obligations as an online retailer.

Psychoactive substances and age-restricted goods

Psychoactive substances also known as "legal highs"

New Psychoactive Substances mimic the effects of traditional drugs that are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. These substances, which include nitrous oxide, are sometimes referred to as 'legal highs'. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 makes it an offence to produce, supply or offer to supply any psychoactive substance if the substance is likely to be used for its psychoactive effects and regardless of its potential for harm. Nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, medicinal products and substances already controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act are exempt.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has developed a useful guide to psychoactive substances to assist retailers.

ACS psychoactive substances guide

If you witness an underage sale or supply psychoactive substances please contact us by using the Citizens Advice consumer service (CACS)  details below.

Business Companion's Under age sales overview includes essential information to prevent under age sales such as age verification checks, staff training.

In-depth guides are available on tobacco and vapes, aerosol spray paint, alcohol, cigarette lighter refills, crossbows, air weapons and imitation firearms, fireworks, knives, other bladed weapons and corrosive substances, sunbeds, video recordings and games for sale and hire, botox and cosmetic fillers, selling petrol and diesel from forecourts.

Age-restricted goods and age restrictions