Underage Sales

Protecting Young People from Alcohol

Alcohol image

The Facts

Trading Standards have an enforcement role for the under age sales of alcohol from 'off licences', which includes providing guidance and practical help on best practice, deterrent posters, and responding to enquiries and complaints. Hampshire Constabulary will focus on under age alcohol consumption at 'on licence' premises (pubs, clubs and hotels) and deal with over 18's buying from shops for under 18's.

Trading Standards have the power to use young volunteers to make test purchases, to check whether retailers are complying with the law.

Evidence from complaints and tests so far suggests very high levels of under age sales of alcohol in Hampshire. Our aim is to reduce these by providing information and practical help to retailers as well as testing them. Under-age drinking often leads to anti social behaviour and fear in local communities as well as possible long-term damage to young people's health. The County Council's Accredited Community Safety Officers and the Police often end up dealing with the consequences of these sales.

The following information shows the results of recent test purchases in Hampshire using youngsters between 15.5 and 16.5 years old. Best Practice guidelines in the selection and use of these volunteers are followed.

2003/04 59 attempts 23 sales 39% 99 complaints
2004/05 122 attempts 32 sales 26% 167 complaints
2005/06 122 attempts 41 sales 34% 211 complaints
2006/07 123 attempts 25 sales 20% 195 complaints
2007/08 161 attempts 26 sales 15% 125 complaints

We regularly take part in the national Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign co-ordinated by the Home Office, and work with the Police who can issue fixed penalty notices for illegal sales.

Businesses and Licensees must ensure that staff do not make a sale which could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5000, and possibly the loss of the licence. Any businesses wanting help with this, can contact us on 01962 833620.

To help us to crack down on under age sales of Alcohol, contact us on 01962 833620 or email underage.sales@hants.gov.uk, or text HANTS UNDERAGE with details to 60003 if you know of shops that are selling alcohol to young people.

 

Further Reading