Campaign launches to tackle sales of knives to under 18s
Written by Hitmix Local News on 17 November 2025
With retailers playing a critical role in preventing underage access to knives and other age-restricted goods, they are being reminded about their responsibilities in a new campaign.
Trading Standards officers from Staffordshire County Council are working with Staffordshire Police to prevent underage knife sales. This is to help reduce serious incidents and to keep communities safe.
The joint initiative is part of the ongoing #DitchTheBlade campaign, which runs from 17 to 24 November. It aims to tackle knife crime through education, enforcement and community engagement.
Retailers are being reminded of their responsibilities, which include:
- Implementing strict age verification – adopt Challenge 25 and check valid photo ID.
- Ensuring knives are securely stored and not openly accessible.
- Training staff on refusal procedures and recording refusals.
- For online sales, complying with two-step age verification and ensure delivery only to the verified purchaser.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Knife crime is a concern for everyone and it’s vital we tackle it and keep communities safe.
“Officers regularly carry out test purchases to ensure retailers are not selling age-restricted products to young people. They want retailers to act responsibly and will provide advice and guidance for businesses who are unsure of the requirements.
“It is a criminal offence to sell knives to anyone under 18, which carries a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or an unlimited fine. Any businesses found to be selling knives irresponsibly or breaking the rules could face prosecution.”
Chief Inspector Dave Barrow, Staffordshire Police knife crime lead, said:
“Every knife sold responsibly is one less that can be used to harm someone. By working with Trading Standards and supporting retailers to meet their legal responsibilities, we can prevent knives reaching young people and keep our communities safer. Tackling knife crime is a shared responsibility, and retailers play a crucial role.”
Businesses can get advice on responsible sales of knives on the county council website.
People can report concerns about illegal knife sales on the Trading Standards Report it webpage or by calling the confidential helpline on 01785 330356.
