Supreme Court Upholds Use of Young Undercover Buyers in Alcohol and Tobacco Sales

Copenhagen, Denmark – Denmark's Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling, affirming the legality of the Danish Safety Agency's practice of employing young individuals as undercover buyers to monitor alcohol and tobacco sales. The court's decision supports the agency's methods, finding them to be in compliance with the law.

The case centered on a kiosk owner from Als who was fined 25,000 Danish kroner for selling a package of nicotine pouches to a 16-year-old control buyer in the summer of 2024. This fine was initially upheld by both the lower city court and the Western High Court.

Aggrieved by the ruling, the kiosk owner appealed to the Supreme Court. The core of the appeal argued that the Safety Agency's use of underage individuals to conduct these sting operations violated provisions within both the administration of justice act and the European Convention on Human Rights.

However, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected these arguments. The court's assessment concluded that the agency's operational procedures did not contravene established legal frameworks or fundamental human rights, thereby validating the practice of using young test buyers in enforcement efforts.