Stores including B&Q, Wickes and Tesco have signed up to a voluntary government plan aimed at reducing acid attacks

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Under-18s will not be able to buy products containing harmful levels of acid or corrosive substances at a number of retailers, following the launch of a voluntary government plan.



Wickes, B&Q and Tesco are among those who have signed up to the proposals, which are aimed at curbing the number of acid attacks.

The voluntary ban – which will apply to products bought in store and online – comes ahead of proposed legislation to prevent minors from purchasing products that contain potentially harmful levels of acid.

Victoria Atkins, minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, said: “Acid attacks have a devastating impact on their victims, leaving both emotional and physical scars.

“I’m pleased that so many of the UK’s major retailers are joining our fight to combat this scourge and signalling they are committed to selling acids responsibly.”

The Home Office said Wickes, B&Q, Screwfix, Wilko, the Co-op, Morrisons, Waitrose, Tesco and John Lewis are among the major retailers to have signed up to the plan, under which under-18s will be unable to buy the following items:

• Products that contain sulphuric acid, such as drain cleaners/unblockers.

• Products that contain hydrochloric acid (10% and above), such as brick and patio cleaners.

• Products that contain sodium hydroxide (12% and above), such as paint strippers.