Beware restrictions on e-cig sales It is increasingly common to see people using nicotine inhaling products – aka e-cigarettes – which are on sale in a huge variety of shops. Many of these outlets are not traditional tobacconists, as you might expect for cigarette replacements and, as the popularity of these products increases, retailers may be tempted to get into the market – but they should be aware of the regulations. From 1 October 2015, e-cigarettes were brought in line with tobacco products and it became illegal to sell or supply them to under-18s. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £2,500 for the company and the individual seller. It is also an offence for an adult to buy e-cigarettes for someone under the age of 18; this is usually referred to as a proxy purchase. The buyer risks a £50 penalty, if caught. Retailers have been dealing with the sale of many age-restricted products for years and, in conjunction with trading standards officers, have developed systems to ensure sales are not made to minors. Most retailers use a Challenge 25 approach, which recognises that it is difficult to guess somebody’s age. Sales staff should challenge anyone who appears to be under 25 to prove their age by producing a photo driving licence, passport or PASS-approved ageverification card. PASS is a national scheme that validates these cards to ensure you ro und-up Summer 2016 round-up can rely on their authenticity. It is not sufficient simply to ask a person their age. All staff must be given training on the issue and this training should be refreshed at regular intervals. Always keep records of training so it can be produced if anything goes wrong. Many retailers also keep a refusals book, which can demonstrate that checks on age are carried out. Managers can see which colleagues have not made a refusal, which could identify a training need. Posters for Challenge 25 are available online and displaying them can help to defuse any resistance from unhappy customers. Credit: Brandon Cook Images: Charlie Bard / Shutterstock Entrepreneurs seek your vote A new business idea is being launched by two enthusiastic entrepreneurs to help school children make the transition from primary to secondary school. Natasha Juniper, of Siteon, and Rachel Ngombe, of Gorgeous Obsession – both based in Stratford-upon-Avon – have created a concept called ZoneUm and entered it into Virgin Media’s VOOM 2016, a pitch competition run by Sir Richard Branson. If the project is successful, ZoneUm will give access to self-help videos and packs on subjects such as: l Being safe online l Choosing and creating the right foods l Looking after your skin, hair, and nails, and applying make-up l Building your inner core through exercise l Building self-confidence To reach the next stage, ZoneUm needs to secure votes. Watch the pitch online, and if you like it, give it your support! Any businesses interested in being a part of the ZoneUm project can contact the duo on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @zoneum. Visit www.zoneum.co.uk or www.unconditionallyme.co.uk for more. Business matters Trading Standards is committed to making it easier for businesses to comply with the law – and Trading Standards Business News (TSBN) is one of the ways it is doing just that. Formerly called Trading Standards News, this publication focuses on topics that are relevant to people running businesses, and aims to help them operate safely and efficiently while staying within the law. If you are viewing this edition on a web browser, you can download the TSBN app for Apple, Android and Amazon devices. For further information please contact your local Trading Standards Service