Local businesses are being encouraged to challenge under 25 when buying corrosive substances.

A motion was put forward by at full council last month to introduce these laws to try and prevent a rise in acid attacks in Medway.

The government has announced it will draft legislation to make age restrictions mandatory but Medway Council is asking retailers to stop now, to stop selling these substances to children.

The Trading Standards team is asking retailers to voluntarily adopt a challenge 25 scheme which will mean they will ask for those who look under 25 for photographic ID to prove they are over 18 when selling corrosive substances.

This will include products such as bleach and drain cleaner.

At the meeting last month, Labour councillor Dan Macdonald, who put the motion forward said: “We have a duty to protect residents and it’s our job to make Medway a safe place to live.

"Sulphric acid or drain cleaner is too easily available" Cllr Macdonald

“We know of dangers of knives, guns and other weapons but only now are we seeing the danger of the newest form of weapon, acid.

“Sulphric acid or drain cleaner is too easily available and are often used as it easier to dispose of plastic bottles than a knives.

“This is a horrendous crime it maims, disfigures and ruins lives of family.”

The motion received cross party support with Cllr Gulvin saying the threat of acid attacks needs to be tackled and stamped on hard before it gets into the culture.

A survey conducted by Medway Council’s Trading Standards team found eight out of nine shops sampled sold products containing corrosive substances to a 16-year-old volunteer.

Cllr Jane Chitty, Portfolio Holder in charge of Trading Standards, said: “We are encouraging traders to sign up to the voluntary scheme to stop products that contain corrosive substances from being sold to under 18s.

“These substances can cause serious harm, so it is vital that retailers sell them responsibly. With support from our local shops we can work together to help prevent the misuse of these products.”

Retailers are asked to contact Medway Council’s Trading Standards team on 01634 333333 for more information about the scheme.