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Two in three Kendal retailers sold classified '18' films and computer games to a 15 year-old girl in a recent mystery shopper test organised by Cumbria Trading Standards.
Only three of nine shops visited by the girl in the test refused to sell her the age restricted films and computer games.
Phil Ashcroft, head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said: "The results of this survey are very disappointing. Four of the six purchases were made from large national companies who have a high-street presence in towns and cities throughout the country.
"These sales were obtained despite the existence of till prompts reminding staff not to sell age restricted items to young people without checking their age first. Retailers must make more effort to effectively train their staff to better know the law and abide by it."
The five '18' films purchased displayed the following warnings:-
* Hostel Dungeon Deluxe - '18' contains strong bloody violence, torture and strong sex. " . the goriest, sickest, bloodiest movie you'll ever see"
* See No Evil - '18' contains very strong, bloody violence. Sicktastic.
* Apocalypto - '18' contains strong bloody violence and gore.
* Revolting Dead - '18' suitable only for persons 18 years and over.
* The Woks - 10 Horror DVDs. '18' Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over.
In addition to these, one '18' classified computer game entitled 'Mortal Combat Deception' was sold.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
1. The image(jpeg) shows the the items purchased during the mystery shopper test.
2. Follow the link below to view information on the British Board of Film classification.
Follow this link to view information on the British Board of Film Classification (pdf)