Code of practice on age restricted products sees end to routine test purchasing

The Government has issued a new code of practice on age restricted products that will bring an end to practices such as routine test purchasing.

The Better Regulation Delivery Office, which developed the code in partnership with businesses and regulators, said it would also end other practices such as:

• not informing retailers if they have passed or failed a test purchase, and
• targeting businesses without evidence that they are selling products to under-age customers.

The code applies to all local regulatory activities undertaken in England and Wales and covers all products for which statutory age restrictions are in place, and all relevant compliance and enforcement activities.

The document is designed to help frontline regulators meet local authorities’ statutory duties under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006.

According to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the code “provides guidance that will encourage regulators to give advice in clear, accessible language in a variety of formats, ensure legal requirements are explained clearly and fully, direct additional support towards new businesses, and to work closely with local initiatives including Town Centre Partnerships, Local Enterprise Partnerships and regional tobacco control groups”.



Business Minister Michael Fallon said: “Businesses tell us that over-complicated regulation of age restricted products is not protecting young people effectively.

“This important code recognises the vital role of the business community in upholding standards, while giving local authorities more freedom to clamp down on those that break the law. Making responsible retailers part of the solution will keep these products out of the wrong hands and help boost local economies.”



A copy of the code, which has been developed on the back of guidance produced by the BRDO’s predecessor LACORS, can be viewed here.