Illegal sales
You can report a business if you suspect it is selling products to underage people. For guidance on the minimum age requirement refer to the table.
Report illegal sales to young people (opens in new window)
Products and minimum age requirements
Products with a minimum age of 16 -
- Aerosol paints
- Caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and Throwdowns
- Liqueur chocolates
- Lottery tickets and scratch cards
Products with a minimum age of 18 -
- Airguns and pellets
- Alcohol
- Butane gas lighter refills
- Cigarettes
- Crossbows
- E-Cigarettes, nicotine cartridges or nicotine refill substances - Nicotine inhaling products
- Fireworks
- Imitation firearms
- Intoxicating substances - solvents
- Knives, knife blades, razor blades and axes
DVDs and computer games' minimum age depends on the classification of the product.
What happens next
We investigate any reports of businesses illegally selling to young people.
You receive an acknowledgement within 3 working days. We close enquiries within 3 months, and you will be informed of the outcome.
Timescales may change if legal proceedings are required. If legal proceedings take place, you may not always receive information about the outcome of the enquiry.