• Newham Trading Standards officers have conducted over 100 proactive advisory visits to retailers regarding the sale of acids and corrosive substances.
The visits targeted hardware stores, pharmacies, off-licences, general stores, and any retailer selling potentially dangerous products. The exercise was designed to stop these liquids potentially getting into the hands of a minority who might use them to cause serious injury, harm, or facilitate anti-social behaviour.
Recent changes in the law established that products containing sulphuric acid in concentrations of 15% or higher such as some drain cleaners, or battery acid, were no longer permitted for sale to the general public, unless the buyer holds a valid Explosives, Precursor and Poisons (EPP) licence. Sulphuric acid over 15% is also covered by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 age restrictions (restricted products).
- 121 business premises were visited
- Almost a quarter of those were selling super strength acids and corrosives.
- 80% of the businesses voluntarily agreed to remove them from shelves and store them out of sight
- 20% of businesses agreed not to re-stock.
The visits identified that further work needs to be done with businesses across the borough to raise awareness of their legal obligations.
It is an offence to supply super strong acids or corrosives to the general public, unless the customer holds a valid “EPP” licence, which must be produced along with photographic ID. Failure to comply, may result in a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment and or a fine for the retailer.
Councillor Amar Virdee, Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety said: “The safety of our residents and visitors to the borough is paramount”.
“We must work collaboratively with our partners, and the Metropolitan Police, to tackle crime, violence, and anti-social behaviour, linked to acids and corrosive substances”.
“We have seen the mental and physical harm that can be caused by these products. We have also seen the long-term effects and trauma caused by the inappropriate use of acids and corrosive substances within the borough”.
“It is important that the necessary due diligence checks are completed by businesses selling these substances. These businesses must remember their legal obligations, and conduct their operations in a safe and legally compliant manner”.
“Our Trading Standards service will seek to take the necessary and proportionate action against those that do not follow the rules”.