Local business facing action after selling knife to underage buyer

A Tameside business is facing the possibility of prosecution after selling a kitchen knife to a person under 18.

The offence – a breach of section 141A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 – was committed during a test purchase operation conducted by Tameside Trading Standards in partnership with officers and volunteer cadets from Greater Manchester Police.

The business will now be subject to further investigations by Tameside Trading Standards, which may lead to criminal proceedings against the seller and/or the business and its owner.

Seven retailers were visited in total. All had been written to, giving them notice that a test purchase was likely to be carried out and providing advice on the relevant legislation and the due diligence procedures that should be in place to avoid breaking the law.

Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “Considering the great harm knives can cause, it’s essential that businesses adhere to the letter of the law and do everything they can to stop them getting into the wrong hands.

“People should know that our officers here at Tameside Council will always take the necessary enforcement action to keep our residents safe.

“However, I think it’s important to emphasise that only one of seven retailers failed the test-purchase test. That shows that the vast majority of Tameside businesses comply with the law. They will always have the council’s full support.”