Concern shops will become conflict points
Concerns are being raised that shops could become the frontline enforcers of tighter regulations on the sale of knives and cigarettes, leading to flashpoints at the counter.
The warning comes from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) on Respect for Shop Workers Day (Wednesday), an event organised by the shopworkers' union Usdaw.
The BRC wants greater support for shopworkers from lawmakers, enforcers and the community, ahead of 1 October when the legal age to buy cigarettes increases from 16 to 18. The same age increase is expected to be introduced on the sale of knives at the same time.
The BRC is in discussions with the Government about how the changes in the law will be publicised.
