Retailers rewarded for safe selling
Last updated | 02/11/2010
The inaugural presentation of the Perth and Kinross Safer Retailer Awards took place (Tuesday 2nd November 2010) and saw local businesses receive awards for effective management and good practice in the sales of age-restricted products.
Perth and Kinross is one of four areas in Scotland piloting the awards, before they go national in 2011. They are targeted at retailers who sell age-restricted products including alcohol, cigarettes, fireworks, knives, DVDs and lottery tickets. Nine licensed premises have been assessed under the awards criteria in this pilot year, and they were presented with certificates by Provost John Hulbert at the ceremony in the Civic Lounge.
The aim of the awards is to give applicants the opportunity to show they meet and surpass the criteria required. The focus is on reducing anti-social behaviour and violence and improving the health and wellbeing of younger people by preventing under-age purchases of age-restricted items. The awards also seek increased standards of management of age-restricted goods in the retail sector.
Partnership working on pilot scheme
A partnership between Perth and Kinross Council Trading Standards, Perth Safer Cities initiative and Scottish Business Crime Centre developed the local pilot scheme.
Chairman of Perth and Kinross Community Safety Partnership, Councillor William Robertson, said: “This is a perfect example of how local retailers and agencies are working together to keep our cities and towns and young people safe. It shows our area to the forefront in the battle against anti-social behaviour and under age drinking and smoking. I congratulate all winners of awards and hope more applicants will become involved next year.”
The Provost said: "This is a very useful scheme to promote responsible retailing in our communities. I was delighted to present the inaugural awards today."
The Safer Retailers scheme is now open to all companies selling age-restricted goods in Perth and Kinross. For further information, please contact Trading Standards on 01738 476476.
