West
Dunbartonshire’s Trading Standards Section expressed disappointment when three
out of four local retailers sold an “18” rated computer game to a 15 year old
child last week during a monitoring operation.
Councillor
Craig McLaughlin said “It is concerning that these games are being sold to
children so easily and without any age identification checks being done by shop
staff. The games are rated 18 for a reason as they will commonly contain
scenes of graphic sexual activity, extreme violence and drug use. I’m sure most
parents would not want their children playing these games and I would urge them
to check their children’s games collection to see if they own and play these
games.”
Nicky
Johnston of Trading Standards said, “Last week I observed three local retailers
sell an “18” computer game to a 15 year old with no questions asked. Only
one shop refused the sale and I would congratulate the assistant for doing so.
Three
individuals are currently being investigated for alleged offences
against the Video Recordings Act 1984. This offence can attract a six
month jail sentence and a fine of up to £5,000. We will also be planning
to repeat this exercise to ensure the shops in question comply with this legislation
in the near future.
West
Dunbartonshire Council Head of Trading Standards, David McCulloch warn, “ Shop
owners beware!”
