The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported that the local authority had a statutory responsibility to enforce provisions prohibiting the sale of age restricted products and provisions requiring legible warnings on tobacco products. He set out the legislation which placed restrictions on the age at which certain products may be sold and referred also to national policy documents that had been issued by the Government in recognition of the need to reduce the potential harm that the use of alcohol and tobacco could cause to young people.

He reported upon steps taken to control illicit sales to young people, including under age sales and the sale of illicit tobacco and alcohol and fireworks and, in response to a question from a Member, referred to work undertaken with other agencies. A Member referred also to the ‘Citizen Card’ initiative and expressed concern, having regard to its cost, that the card was not recognised by some licensed premises. In response, the Director proposed to circulate details of the campaign, which had the support of Merseyside Police, and to make contact with those premises where the card was not being accepted.

Resolved – That the report be noted.