Itv national news finds supermarkets selling to under 18's

[babs]

This has been on the main national itv news lunch-time and evening. They sent an under age lad out to 3 of the main supermarkets and he was sold disposable cig-a-likes in all 3. Co-op Sainsburys and Waitrose. About a 5 minute report very damming. Bloody cig-a-likes again. Not sure if it's posted elsewhere was an ITV special report.

[Super-Shiny]

Damm, not Iceland....i do like my BOGOF

[Greg]

The lad was 17 and not a young looking 17 in my eyes. Media propaganda as usual

[Deleted]

Have not seen the clip but is ITV legally protected sending out a youngster to do their dirty work or can they be prosecuted?

[amygx]

www.itv.com/news/2014-07-16/third-of-outlets-itv-news-tested-sold-e-cigarette-to-17-year-old/

[thatguy]

Similar numbers to those that sell alcohol or tobacco to under 18s. No surprises, supermarkets have never had the greatest record for selling products to underagers.

[clairea]

it's more the supermarkets fault, it says don't sell to under 18's so don't sell them to under 18's, same as they sell alcohol and glue

[Chrissie]

I saw it on the ITV news & the 17 year old lad did look older than 18, so not a very good test

[Raffles]

Although I work in a supermarket, albeit part time, and I love my job 'behind the scenes' in the 'goods in' section it is becoming increasingly difficult as it so very physically demanding. They, bless them, have suggested alternatives to keep me on, including the 'tills'... but that is one section I would not go. While I like dealing and engaging with the public, I'm sure I'd be 'done' on my first day with selling something to someone under age. I just cannot tell ages, especially around the teenage and early 20s, and would end up challenging just about everyone who went through the checkout.

The rules and regs these days are horrendous, and 'if caught' you are personally responsible along with the store which results in fines and court appearances etc. Even selling tin foil to someone who may use it for drug taking, scissors, normal kitchen knives, more than 2 packs of paracetamol, and booze and fags. The checkout guys and gals go through a lot of hassle, and abuse, just so that you can get your sprouts!

Rant over.

[kibbster]

Also just a reminder it's not illegal to sell e-cigs to anyone of any age.
The over 18s only is a voluntary unofficial limit amongst e-cig vendors not supermarkets.

And using a 17 year old.

Absolute non-story created to generate a news story.