Underage sales crackdown
By Martin Chapman on Monday, 5th July 2004.
Failing underage sales tests could lead to legal action against retailers in a countywide crackdown.
Suffolk trading standards have joined force with Suffolk Police to launch a crackdown across the county on retailers who are selling underage items.
Retailers, selling alcohol to minors have been described by councilors as irresponsible. Now retailers will face test purchases, and failing could lead to licences being revoked.
A countywide protocol has been signed by Suffolk County Council Trading Standards and Suffolk Police to crack down on people who sell alcohol to young people under the legal age.
The approach has been approved and will mean a countywide approach to dealing with the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.
Retailers will be tested throughout the rest of this year, and trading standards and the police are warning that swift legal action will be taken against retailers who fail.
Peter Monk, portfolio holder for public protection said: “Selling alcohol to young people is not only illegal but also irresponsible. Working with the police will ensure the joint enforcement powers of both agencies are more efficiently used. There are definite links between minors drinking alcohol and anti social behaviour. Together we will work to combat the problem”.
Chief Constable Alastair McWhirter said: “We want to catch licensees doing something right – not doing something wrong. So they need to know that if we catch them refusing our test purchasers we will congratulate them but if they break the law, legal action will swiftly follow.”
Retailers who are found to be selling age restricted products to young people below the legal age risk loosing their license and being prosecuted.
Alcohol is not the only age-restricted product trading standards will be targeting. Checks will be carried out to see if retailers are checking the age of people before selling them items such as solvents, cigarettes, videos and knives.
Retailers are reminded to always double check the age of someone by asking to see a driving license or proof of age card. If they are still in any doubt then they should refuse the sale.
Suffolk trading standards have joined force with Suffolk Police to launch a crackdown across the county on retailers who are selling underage items.
Retailers, selling alcohol to minors have been described by councilors as irresponsible. Now retailers will face test purchases, and failing could lead to licences being revoked.
A countywide protocol has been signed by Suffolk County Council Trading Standards and Suffolk Police to crack down on people who sell alcohol to young people under the legal age.
The approach has been approved and will mean a countywide approach to dealing with the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.
Retailers will be tested throughout the rest of this year, and trading standards and the police are warning that swift legal action will be taken against retailers who fail.
Peter Monk, portfolio holder for public protection said: “Selling alcohol to young people is not only illegal but also irresponsible. Working with the police will ensure the joint enforcement powers of both agencies are more efficiently used. There are definite links between minors drinking alcohol and anti social behaviour. Together we will work to combat the problem”.
Chief Constable Alastair McWhirter said: “We want to catch licensees doing something right – not doing something wrong. So they need to know that if we catch them refusing our test purchasers we will congratulate them but if they break the law, legal action will swiftly follow.”
Retailers who are found to be selling age restricted products to young people below the legal age risk loosing their license and being prosecuted.
Alcohol is not the only age-restricted product trading standards will be targeting. Checks will be carried out to see if retailers are checking the age of people before selling them items such as solvents, cigarettes, videos and knives.
Retailers are reminded to always double check the age of someone by asking to see a driving license or proof of age card. If they are still in any doubt then they should refuse the sale.
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