SHOPKEEPERS are under the spotlight as trading standards officers clampdown on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to children in Sandwell.

Test purchases will be made across the borough and shopkeepers are being reminded that failure to comply with the law could result in them facing fines or even losing their licences.

Officers are offering advice and guidance to retailers on how they can avoid making underage sales and being reminded it is illegal to sell alcohol and cigarettes to people under the age of 18.

Trading standards officers carry out test purchases, using underage volunteers to check that retailers are complying with the law.

Between April 2012 and March 2013, 125 premises were test purchased for alcohol and 18 were caught selling illegally to children.

During this same period, 11 out of 126 premises test purchased sold cigarettes illegally to children.

Mark Beesley, area trading standards officer, said:  “I’m delighted that the majority of retailers refused to sell to the young volunteers who were attempting to buy age restricted products.

"However, I am disappointed to see that a minority of retailers still sold age restricted products to young people.

"The issue of underage sales in Sandwell is a high priority for us and our partners, as illegal sales of alcohol and tobacco to youngsters is not acceptable.

"We work hard with the trade, through advisory visits, to make sure that retailers understand their responsibilities and are aware of the consequences if they do sell.”

The 29 premises found selling age restricted products to under 18s, faced sanctions for the breaches.

These included the issuing of £80 fixed penalty notices, cautions and prosecutions.

The 18 shops found selling alcohol to minors also faced a review of their licence leading to stricter licensing conditions imposed and, in some circumstances, having their licence suspended or revoked.

Cabinet member for neighbourhood services Councillor Ian Jones said: "The consequences for selling age restricted products to children can be severe, with the seller and shop owner facing prosecution.

"With regards to the sale of alcohol to a minor, the licence holder also faces the prospect of having their licence reviewed and the possibility they may have their licence revoked.”

Residents are encouraged to report suspected underage sales of age restricted products to the Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 08454 04 05 06.