Topical issues

Please see below for information on current Trading Standards issues facing consumers and businesses within Blackburn and Darwen.  This page is updated monthly so make sure you visit regularly to keep up to date with current issues. 

Previous topical issues that contain useful information can be found by using the links at the bottom of the page.

Avian Flu Update

Following the confirmation of Low Pathogenic strain of avian flu at a premises in North Wales, a further restricted zone was declared at a non-commercial small holding at St Helens, Merseyside. Both these restricted zones have now been lifted, and no cases of avian flu currently exist within the UK.

Rogue Trader Day

Two officers from Blackburn with Darwen’s Trading Standards Service took part in a region-wide initiative aimed at identifying and disrupting rogue traders on 15th June.

Rogue trader day involves Trading Standards officers teaming up with local Police officers and searching the streets for the type of vehicle commonly associated with doorstep conmen (typically unmarked commercial vehicles). Selected vehicles are pulled over and subjected to an inspection by the Police officer, while the Trading Standards officer checks the driver’s identity, paperwork and load. No Trading Standards offences were identified in Blackburn on the 15th, but numerous road traffic violations were picked up. Feedback from the traders stopped was good (they appreciated the need for such checks).

Underage Sales

The Service is adapting its tactics to catch retailers who sell alcohol to under-18’s.  Regular test-purchasing operations are carried out, using ‘traditional’ methods to enable prosecutions to be brought where under-age sales occur.

However, some shops are becoming increasingly aware of the methodology used by our underage volunteers and so a change of tactics has been implemented. Strict rules on the safety of young persons often require an officer to be in the shop when the volunteer attempts a test purchase, and this can give the game away. In addition, some retailers will only sell alcohol to young people they know.

Officers are now targeting suspected offenders using overt and covert surveillance monitoring. Results so far have been good, and 2 licence review applications are being prepared.

Home Information Packs Delayed

Communities Secretary, Ruth Kelly, has announced that the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) will be delayed until 1st August, after which mandatory sellers' packs will be phased in.  HIPs and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will initially apply to four-bedroom properties and larger, and will be introduced for smaller homes as soon as possible.  It will fall to the Trading Standards service to enforce these provisions.

Weights and Measure Dual Marking

Recent publicity has highlighted the ‘ability’ for shopkeepers to price goods by the pound as well as by the kilogramme. In fact this is nothing new – the ability has always been there, and is regularly used by many traders.  The recent court case has effectively made this provision permanent (it was due to expire in a year or so).  The Service will continue to enforce this legislation sensitively.

Dry Cleaners Checked

Blackburn with Darwen has participated in an AGMA initiative to check consumers are being treated fairly at dry-cleaners.

Various dry cleaners were found to be charging by weight, but not using scales which were approved for trade use, or appropriate for the purpose.

Several notices have been issued, and the situation has been remedied.

 

Previous Topical Issues

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