IRRESPONSIBLE traders who sell drink, fireworks and spray paint to children are fuelling anti-social behaviour, say consumer watchdogs.
Trading standards officers from Durham County Council have launched a tour of the county's shopping centres to get across the message that traders who break age restrictions face prosecution and help fuel trouble on the streets.
Phillip Holman, the authority's head of trading standards, said: "Retailers should always be on their guard when selling age restricted products to young people and ensure that staff are trained to ask for proof of age.
"Any retailers found breaking the law face prosecution.
"We are also reminding traders to ensure they don't sell restricted products such as fireworks and alcohol to anyone under 18."
Councillor Don Ross, deputy leader of the county council, said: "Illegal sales and misuse of products such as fireworks, alcohol and spray paint can harm the individuals involved, while the anti-social behaviour often associated with them affects the whole community."
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