Several shops have backed Merton Council’s campaign to clamp down on the selling of alcohol and cigarettes to children.

Businesses in the borough can now take part in training courses and one-on-one advice offered by the council’s trading standards team on how to avoid selling age-restricted products to people who are under age.

Merton’s trading standards and public health teams are also working together on the Responsibility Deal to reduce the number of adults buying alcohol and tobacco for younger people.

Wimbledon-based supermarket Sia Food and Wine, Euro off licence and Mitcham’s Supreme One off-licence took part in the first training course.

Cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge said: "Most retailers take their responsibilities very seriously and we are working in partnership with them so they comply with the law.

"The "Do You Pass" training certainly gives our traders the knowledge and confidence that they need to prevent illegal sales, which the council and local businesses are committed to preventing."

Small businesses interested in attending future training courses should contact the trading standards team on 020 8545 4018 or email tradingstandards@merton.gov.uk.