Underage sales

It is illegal for age restricted goods to be sold to those who are below the specified age limit. A trader could be prosecuted, and might lose their livelihood as a result of making an illegal sale.

You need to be 18 or over to buy

• Tobacco and tobacco products
• Alcohol
• Cigarette lighter refills
• Fireworks
• Knives, knife blades, razor blades, axes and swords

You need to be 16 or over to buy

• Spray paint devices (aerosol paints)
• National lottery and instant tickets
• Petrol

There are also age restrictions for buying certain videos, DVDs,computer and video games - you must be aged 18,15 or 12. Check the packaging for the relevant age restriction.

In addition to investigating complaints about the illegal sale of these products, we undertake an annual test purchase exercise on the supply of fireworks.

Contact us if you know of any shops which sell age restricted goods to young people.