AUTUMN 2023 ROUND-UP Week of action reveals shocking non-compliance Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) has been supporting local police forces in their efforts to tackle knife crime, as part of a national week of action called Operation Sceptre. ROUND-UP The initiative, coordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council, takes place twice a year to raise awareness of knife crime and the action being taken to detect, reduce and prevent it. action where necessary, especially where previous advice is ignored, said Frances Darling, CEnTSAs management board champion for age-restricted sales. The law relating to sales of knives and other age-restricted products and services exist to protect children and young people from harm, and, for this reason, Trading Standards takes its role very seriously. l Retailers also have a part to play in Trading Standards, as a partner agency, provides guidance to retailers on their responsibilities to comply with the law and act responsibly when selling knives. It is an offence to sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18. reducing the harm alcohol causes to young people and their communities. During the week of action, from 15-22 May, officers advised 52 retailers and 30 of these premises were tested using volunteers aged from 15 to 17 under the instruction of Trading Standards officers. Businesses can help stop them from buying or accessing alcohol by implementing the Challenge 25 scheme, using refusals books and till prompts, and ensuring staff are trained properly. Displaying Challenge 25 posters on doors and windows will also make it clear that proof of age will be demanded. Of the 30 premises tested, 11 sold a knife to the under-age volunteer a shocking 36% non-compliance. These businesses are under investigation. Trading Standards wants to work with businesses to ensure they comply with the law and act responsibly; however, we will not hesitate to take robust enforcement More than 10,500 under-18s were admitted to hospital for alcohol-specific conditions between 2018 and 2021. Retailers who do sell to children face penalties ranging from a fixed penalty notice to prosecution and alcohol licence reviews. Credits: Charlotte Coleman and Simon Cripwell, Trading Standards officers. Image: iStock.com / Alla Tsyganova Get in touch Businesses wanting advice on age-restricted sales should visit the Business Companion website or contact their local Trading Standards. Anyone who suspects a trader of selling age-restricted products or services to under-18s including knives, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine vaping products, fireworks, and administering Botox/cosmetic fillers can report their suspicions in confidence to Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133, or call the Anonymous Hotline 0300 030 2636. Bird flu: update The risk of avian influenza (AI) for all poultry in the UK has reduced to low and the AI prevention zones for poultry and captive birds in England, Wales and Scotland were lifted on 4 July. ROUND-UP However, all poultry gatherings including fairs, shows and markets remain banned because of the large number of flocks that mix together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country. Keepers are urged to remain mindful of biosecurity measures. If you are in an AI disease control zone you must follow the rules for that zone and check if you need a licence to move poultry, poultry byproducts, eggs, material or mammals. Al in numbers In the UK since 1 October 2022, there have been 188 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1: 157 in England 22 in Scotland 8 in Wales 1 in Northern Ireland There have been 290 cases of (HPAI) H5N1 in England since the outbreak started in October 2021. Remember, if you have more than 50 birds, you must register your flock with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, either online or by calling 3000 200 301. If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301. You are breaking the law if you do not report it. Visit Gov.uk for the latest AI updates, and for further information contact Defra on 03000 200 301. Credit: Tim Brooker, Animal Health officer Image: iStock.com / fotolgahan Give rodents the cold shoulder As the seasons change, so do the types of pests that may cause problems for businesses. ROUND-UP When the weather turns wet and cold, food for rodents (rats and mice) becomes scarcer, so they move towards premises where shelter and food is more plentiful. Rodents are most likely to be seen at dawn or dusk and if you see one, there are probably more nearby. Tell-tale signs include: droppings; smell a stale odour; runs and smears rats, in particular, follow the same routes, which can lead to smooth trails and greasy smears where their fur rubs on surfaces; and teeth marks/holes in the building fabric or products. Rodent droppings and urine carry diseases that can cause serious illness, and local councils can prosecute even close down premises where pest infestations cause a health risk. So, ensure you: l Keep indoor and outdoor areas clear of waste l Seal obvious holes or entry points eg, around doors, pipework, toilets l Keep on top of cleaning schedules and train staff to identify signs of pests l Dont overstock. If you do have a lot of stock, try to ensure it can be cleaned around and visually inspected easily. If the problem is on a neighbouring property and the owner is not taking action, contact your local Environmental Health service. Contact the National Pest Technicians Association and British Pest Controllers Association for pest control advice. Credit: David Elrington, regulatory services manager, John Harvey, Environmental Health officer, Walsall Council Image: iStock.com / Chanawat Phadwichit Anonymous Hotline For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.