Fifty-three complaints of underage alcohol, tobacco and fireworks sales were made to Trading Standards last year, Caerphilly County Borough Council has revealed.
During 2013/14, Trading Standards carried out 77 test purchases using volunteers. In five of the tests, alcohol was sold to underage youngsters.
Caerphilly County Borough Council said the tests resulted in two prosecutions, while three cases are currently pending. Four fixed penalty notices for disorder were also issued.
As well as investigating complaints about sales of alcohol and tobacco, Trading Standards also received four complaints about ‘proxy’ sales – where premises sell age-restricted products to adults who purchase the items on behalf of under 18s.
Cllr David Poole, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure services, said: “While the vast majority of our retailers take their responsibilities seriously, there are still a small handful of traders who put the safety of youngsters in jeopardy by selling them age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.
“These products are age-restricted for a reason, and our Trading Standards Service will continue to investigate and take firm action and help protect our communities from those who fall foul of the law.”
To report premises selling to under 18s, call Trading Standards on 01495 235291.