The aim of Blaenau Gwent Trading Standards is to ensure a fair, safe and equitable environment for all who purchase and sell goods and services in Blaenau Gwent.  We achieve this by providing advice and support for local consumers and businesses and, where necessary, by enforcement activities.
   

Consumer advice in Blaenau Gwent

Consumer Advice and information in Blaenau Gwent is now provided by two sources:-

Consumer Direct provides a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities in Wales, and funded by the Office of Fair Trading.
  
Consumer Direct provides clear, practical advice to help consumers resolve problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods and services. Consumer Direct can advise on issues such as faulty goods, poor workmanship and substandard services. You should also contact Consumer Direct to report dishonest trading and scams.
  
Consumer Direct works in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services by providing first level advice and information on a wide range of consumer problems. Only complaints requiring further investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services.

Trading Standards routinely provide advice to businesses and consumers on their rights and obligations under current legislation.  Consumers visiting our offices in Brynmawr can also utilise our advice service.     

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Volunteers needed to help Trading Standards carry out test purchase exercises of age restricted products

Age restricted products, such as alcohol, tobacco, solvents and fireworks can cause physical and mental harm to young people.  The law prohibits the sale of particular harmful products to people below certain ages.

Blaenau Gwent Trading Standards regularly carry out test purchase exercises using volunteers to check that retailers comply with the law.

   
The test purchase exercise

All volunteers are trained what to say and do.

The exercise will involve attempting to buy age restricted goods from shops, supermarkets and off licences etc.

We will visit the volunteer and their parents/ guardians to explain in detail what the exercise involves and obtain their written consent to take part.

The test purchase exercises are carried out in accordance with strict Government Guidelines to ensure the safety of the volunteers at all times.

 

Volunteers

We are currently looking for 15 and 16 year olds to volunteer for us.

Volunteers must look their age.

It is an enjoyable learning experience and we will provide the volunteer with a certificate for participating in the exercise that they may wish to use in their record of achievement for attending job interviews.

We will provide suitable refreshments throughout the exercise. 

If you know of any 15 or 16 year olds who would be willing to volunteer to assist us in this area please contact Louise Bevan 01495 355367.