Warning to all Retail Staff Regarding Knife Sales

As part of the Government’s Tackling Knives Action Programme, it is planned that a number of retail outlets will be tested by Trading Standards and the Police over the next couple of months.

This initiative to get knives out of the hands of young people is supported by Usdaw. With this in mind, we are urging members to be extra vigilant, as a blitz of ‘mystery shopper’ test purchases of knives will be carried out using under age volunteers.

The ten areas taking part in the Tackling Knives Action Programme account for more than 70 percent of serious violence involving knives. They are London, Essex, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Merseyside, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, South Wales and Thames Valley.

Members should be aware that Trading Standards may use taller and older-looking 17 year olds. The youngsters may be told to deny that they are under age and to produce ID that states their real date of birth but requires close scrutiny to establish that they are under age.

We advise our members always to adhere to the ‘Think 21’ policy currently encouraged by many retail outlets and to check any customer buying a knife who may be under 18. Members should always seek to co-operate fully with Trading Standards and the Police where required.

The maximum penalty for selling knives to someone under 18 is a £5,000 fine and/or six months’ imprisonment.

For more information on our Freedom From Fear Campaign visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/

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