The teams visited eight different premises in Hornchurch, Rainham, Upminster, Harold Hill, Harold Wood and Romford recently.

They were accompanied by volunteers all aged under 18 as part of the operation.

The volunteers helped officers by going into the businesses to attempt to buy tobacco or a vape, also known as e-cigarettes.

These products are illegal to sell to anyone under the age of 18. 

All businesses visited on this particular operation refused to sell any of the age-restricted items to the young people.

If a business is found to be selling age-restricted goods to those underage, they are issued with warnings if it is a first offence.

Council officers will then work with them to support on training and ensuring they understand and comply with regulations.

All businesses are re-visited and any further failures may result in a review of their licence or prosecution.

Even if a business does pass the test, they are also re-visited unannounced at any time.

The Council’s licensing and trading standards teams also work with businesses to encourage them to sign up to the Challenge 25 Scheme.

This scheme encourages young people to carry ID and for retailers to ask for that ID if they think the person looks younger.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:

“We’re pleased that these local businesses are supporting us.

"They are helping to keep our young people safer across the borough by not selling products like this, to anyone under the legal age.

“None of the businesses broke the rules on this particular operation, but our teams are regularly making these visits.

"This means we can make sure everyone is continuing to comply.

“We will always take the strongest possible action on those that don’t comply, which may include prosecution.”