October 2023
Safer 6 Campaign
During Safer 6, we carried out 2 underage sales test purchasing operations for fireworks. We visited 5 shops, 2 of the shops sold fireworks to our 16-year-old volunteer without asking their age or for identification. This is the second occasion that both shops have sold a firework to an underage volunteer. They will now be the subject of a criminal investigation.
Sandwell Trading Standards, Licensing and West Midlands Police carried out a day of action in West Bromwich for illegal vapes. They visited two shops and seized more than £40,000 worth of illegal vapes and over 170 potentially unsafe travel adaptors.
In Tipton, more than £20,000 worth of illegal vapes, and tobacco were seized from two shops in a joint operation by Sandwell Council and Sandwell Police.
Read more about the illegal vapes and tobacco seized in this raid by the council and police
See anything Suspicious?
What we found ...
Underage Sales
Trading Standards have been carrying out undercover test purchases and 50% of shops sold an age restricted product to our young volunteers. Most offending businesses have been issued with a written warning, while others are facing criminal prosecution and/or a licensing review where their alcohol licence could be suspended for up to three months or even revoked.
Food Hygiene Inspections Enforcement Action
Kashmir Grill has been fined £1800 under totality sentencing, £180 victim surcharge and ordered to pay Council legal costs of £2598.
A Cradley Heath Business has been served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition notice due to an imminent risk of injury to health due to rat activity at the business. The business is closed until imminent risk removed; graduated enforcement started.
A catering establishment in Smethwick voluntary closure due to imminent risk of injury to health from cockroaches. Business allowed to reopen once imminent risk removed and graduated enforcement action taking place.
A catering establishment in Smethwick voluntary closure due to imminent risk of injury to health from cockroaches. Business allowed to reopen once imminent risk removed and graduated enforcement action taking place.
A Catering establishment in West Bromwich voluntarily closed due to poor cleaning. Business allowed to reopen once deep clean undertaken and graduated enforcement action taking place.
Health and Safety Action
Oldbury – investigated a dangerous occurrence due to a chemical release at Swim!, Oldbury. Officers investigated and provided health and safety advice to the business.
West Bromwich – An unguarded bandsaw was found during an inspection of a butchers. A Prohibition Notice has been served requiring a guard to be fitted over the blade.
A Tipton Catering business was served a Prohibition notice to stop the use of a tandoor which was found without a safe method of lighting. A new ignition switch was fitted, and the business was allowed to use the tandoor again.