What's it for?
Trading Standards regularly need young volunteers to assist with our programme of age restricted products test purchasing. Do you know of any suitable volunteers who could assist?
What products are we talking about?
Trading Standards enforce the law in relation to age restricted products. The following are some of the areas covered:
- Alcohol - 18 years of age
- Fireworks - 18 years of age
- Cigarette lighter refills - 18 years of age
- Tobacco products - 18 years of age
Who can volunteer?
We are looking for volunteers around the age of 15-16 (no older than 16 years and 6 months). Volunteers should be no less than 18 months younger than the age restriction for any particular product and should not look older than the age restriction in question.
Role of parent or guardian
Parents/guardians of any volunteers will be asked to sign a parental consent form. You can stipulate when and where the volunteer can assist and any special dietary requirements. You will also be asked to provide a copy of their birth certificate.
If we get any sales we would require you give a witness statement identifying your child from a photograph taken by us and producing the copy of the birth certificate. This should prevent you being called to give evidence at court but if the defendant objects you may be required to attend court.
Role of volunteer
Anyone who volunteers will be photographed and videod on the day of any operation. They will be shown how to operate covert surveillance equipment. They can either work alone or with a friend and will be accompanied by officers from trading standards at all times except when in the shop. When in the shop there will be an officer outside with a phone line open to our volunteers.
Volunteers will be paid for their time and offered refreshments of their choice (subject to any conditions you impose).
Will the volunteer have to attend court?
Our evidence of the sale is the video from the covert camera, the photographic evidence of how they looked on the day and your evidence as to their age. We will strongly resist any attempt by the defence to bring the volunteer to court. Previous defendants who have attempted to bring our young volunteers to court have failed.
Who to contact
If you know of anyone who would like to be a volunteer please contact us on 0151 225 3489.