Retailers in Hornchurch and Rainham have successfully passed a series of undercover checks designed to prevent the sale of age-restricted products to children.

Havering Council’s Trading Standards team recently carried out enforcement visits to five businesses across the borough, focusing on the sale of items including vapes, e-cigarettes and knives. Officers also checked that businesses offering sunbed services were complying with age restrictions.

The operation was supported by volunteers from the Metropolitan Police Cadets, all under the age of 18, who attempted to purchase products that cannot legally be sold to minors.

During the visits, none of the businesses sold restricted items to the young volunteers, demonstrating compliance with current regulations designed to protect young people.

Trading Standards officers regularly carry out test purchasing exercises across Havering as part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal sales and ensure retailers understand their responsibilities under the law.

Businesses found selling age-restricted goods to underage customers can face prosecution, with penalties applying even for a first offence. Alongside enforcement activity, the council also works with retailers to provide guidance and support on meeting legal requirements.

Officers have also continued to encourage local businesses to adopt the Challenge 25 scheme. The initiative promotes age verification by asking customers who appear under 25 to provide identification before purchasing restricted products.

Although all premises visited during the latest operation complied with the law, council officers have stressed that further spot checks will continue to take place across the borough without prior notice as part of ongoing safeguarding and public protection work.