Cologne strikes hard: Four kiosks closed for youth protection!

Cologne strikes hard: Four kiosks closed for youth protection!

In the heart of Cologne, the city administration has taken sharp measures against illegal sales practices in several kiosks. Four of these sales outlets were permanently closed because they repeatedly violated the youth protection law and regulations on the sale of tobacco and alcohol. The aim of these drastic measures is to send a clear signal to the traders that laws in food, tobacco and alcohol sale must be taken seriously. This reports Express .

The affected kiosks are located in the districts of Kalk and Mülheim. Minor tobacco, alcohol and even forbidden snus products were repeatedly offered here. The operation of electronic cigarettes without a valid tax biker or EU approval is another serious violation that has been uncovered. Such violations are not an isolated case: The city of Cologne has carried out regular test purchases throughout Cologne since November 2024, which made it clear how big the problem is in the industry.

test purchases reveal grievances

The occasions for these measures are not arbitrary. With the approaching start of the carnival session on November 11th. the pressure on the traders was increased. Above all, young people are used as a buyer to check compliance with the youth protection law. For example, a 17-year-old trainee at a kiosk was only allowed to buy an alcoholic mixed drink after an identity test, while a little later he was successful at another kiosk without such a test. Ralf Mayer, the head of the regulatory office, admits that he did with negative results. He makes it clear that compliance with the protection of minors in retail is essential to avoid dangerous situations for young people. It is intensively checked that no alcoholic beverages or tobacco goods are sold to minors, which was clearly confirmed in the test purchases - hard alcohol and tobacco were illegally sold to young people at 39 out of 50 controlled sales outlets.

punishment for unreliable providers

The consequences for the operators are tough: against three people responsible have already been initiated by commercial sub -statements. These people must now prove that they comply with legal practices before they receive permission to operate a business. Fine of up to 50,000 euros can be imposed for violations of the Youth Protection Act - a serious threat to the economic existence of the operators concerned. The sale of illegal goods from a vehicle or a back yard in lime also makes it clear that the problems are deeply rooted.

The city of Cologne is determined to take such violations and plans further measures. Clear rules must be followed in the retail department: Alcohol should not be sold under the age of 16, and for purchases from 16, companies are asked to always request the ID. This shows that many operators do not take this responsibility seriously, which, according to Ladenbau

No matter how small or inconspicuous the kiosk may be - the rules of the Youth Protection Act also apply here, and the city of Cologne proves that it is willing to take hard to ensure the safety of its citizens.