Cheltenham's compliance crackdown on illegal knife sales to minors

The operation involved cadets attempting to buy knives from local stores to assess compliance with age-restricted sales laws.

Of the 10 stores tested, 8 correctly refused the sale after requesting ID. However, 2 stores failed and sold knives to the underage tester.

The tester, accompanied discreetly by Licensing and Trading Standards officers in plain clothes, did not carry ID or misrepresent their age, ensuring the integrity of the operation.

Safer streets summer campaign

This test purchasing is part of the Safer Streets Summer campaign which launched at the end of June, is part of a wider campaign happening across Gloucestershire. It focuses on tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and crime in the town centre — issues that often increase during the summer months.

In Cheltenham, the plan includes:

• Extra patrols in the town centre and other identified hotspots
• Use of fines and enforcement powers to deal with anti-social behaviour
• Support for local businesses and shopworkers
• Joint work with schools, health services and community groups

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “Our test operation to purchase knives, are vital to ensure young people cannot purchase knives illegally while protecting them and our communities from the potential dangers of knife crime.

“We are proud to have a vigilant licensing team who are looking out for young people and penalise businesses which do not comply with our safety regulations.”

Jeremy Sansom, licensing enforcement and compliance officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “We regularly carry out joint operations with our partner agencies to ensure premises selling age-restricted products are operating responsibly. On this occasion, two stores failed to uphold their legal obligations.

“We will be working with Trading Standards to follow up with those businesses and conduct further checks.”

It is a criminal offence to sell a knife to anyone under 18. Retailers found doing so can face prosecution, with penalties including fines, community orders, or imprisonment. Businesses may also receive unlimited fines depending on their size and turnover.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected].

Notes:

This work will continue until the end of September and is part of the wider Safer Streets Summer initiative being delivered throughout the county.