TRADE NEWS Advertising on social networks will not be invasive Mexx to withdraw from UK retail industry Waterstones aims to improve supply chain Retailers can use domain name to boost online presence Online shoppers unsure of risks Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Majority of internet users shop online Dragon's Den duo see product take off Online sales increase in January Retail sales slow in February Retailers set for Mother's day windfall Mamas & Papas begin retail expansion Independent retailers urged to assess everything Retailers hope to increase internet exposure Ambitious Britons hope to own businesses Retail sales enjoy quarterly growth Retailers retain confidence in the industry Women prepared to walk the earth for retail Retailers urge chancellor to ease burden Retailers urged to curb discounting Internet claiming increasing numbers of high-street shoppers FPB urges competition commission to help smaller retailers Competition commission set to replace code of conduct London retail sales below par in January Online retailers drive to attract new consumers Retailers taking legal obligations seriously UK wholesalers could be shunned by supermarkets US retailers enjoy shock sales rise Women opt for ethical Valentines gifts Retail sales set to face 2008 dip Sales boost January retail figures Retailers set for prosperous Valentine's Day Groups warn on danger of toy imports Government needs to raise small business legal awareness FWD outline annual conference plans Shop price inflation rises eBay abandons buyer negative comments European retail sales dip in December Demand for British goods increases Cashback websites battling high street for customers US wholesale prices increase Organisations to petition bag ban Capital Gains Tax may not be compatible with EU law Archive January trade news 2008   15 February 2008   Retailers taking legal obligations seriously Retail chains, such as supermarkets, are taking their under age sales obligations more seriously than pubs, new research has revealed. According to Serve Legal, which sent mystery shoppers into a range of establishments, 60 per cent of supermarket outlets passed the test. The figure for pubs was 40 per cent. Ed Heaver, a director at Serve Legal, revealed that the research showed the superiority some retailers have in fulfilling their legal duties. "Results show that the off trade is being more pro-active and successful in improving operating systems and eradicating sales to minors," he said. Recently, Labour MP Margaret Moran called on the government to impose harsher punishments for internet retailers which sell restricted goods. Introducing her Private Members Bill at the end of last month, the MP told the House of Commons: "Children can now get hold of some very disturbing items - things that they would never be able to buy if they walked into a shop. That has to stop."   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd     Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . ..