Underage Sales Retailer Pack
The Facts
The Underage Sales Retailer Pack is distributed to all Retailers in Hampshire that sell age-restricted products.
Our intention is to provide up to date information and advice in this area. It is designed to support and complement any training by the retailer that is already in place.
The pack contains a questionnaire which retailers can use to test staff knowledge. On returning the questionnaires to Trading Standards, there is an opportunity to receive a certificate showing that the retailer is committed to reducing underage sales.
Why is it illegal to sell or hire certain age-restricted products to young people?
To protect young people and the community from their harmful affects. Effective under-age sales prevention can help make Hampshire safer and more secure for all, maximise wellbeing and enhance our quality of place. Research has shown that the longer young people are prevented from starting a habit the better their chance of not becoming addicted in later life.
This table shows the products affected and the ages related to those products.
| Product | Legal Minimum Age |
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| Tobacco Products | 18 |
| Fireworks | 18 |
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Videos, DVDs and Computer Games 12 Classification 15 Classification 18 Classification |
12 15 18 |
| Alcohol | 18 |
| Lottery tickets and scratch cards | 16 |
| Lighter refills containing Butane | 18 |
| Solvents and volatile substances | 18 |
| Knives and offensive weapons | 18 |
| Aerosol paint containers | 16 |
Why Have A Good Practice Scheme?
The problem of illegal sales to children is a sensitive issue. Retailers often complain that it is very difficult these days to judge a person’s age correctly.
The problem is a significant one since it is widely acknowledged that children are sold millions of pounds worth of cigarettes, alcohol and other age-restricted goods each year.
A few retailers do not comply with the law and this has received a lot of negative press and publicity. However the vast majority of retailers take the matter very seriously.
This pack is seen as a positive way of raising awareness about the issues for retailers and the public alike. It is also important to reward responsible retailers who demonstrate “good practice”, by refusing to sell to customers who either look under-age or cannot produce proof of age and adhere to the points noted below.
A responsible retailer will:
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This training and information pack is to help you and your staff understand the restrictions on a variety of age restricted products.
How Can I Meet The Requirements?
Due Diligence Defence
The law makes selling of age restricted products to those under age a criminal offence, with various penalties. Defences to these offences are provided if you can show you exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
Implement a company policy
This could detail to whom and in what circumstances a customer will/will not be served e.g. only on production of proof of age.Adopt a written procedure
You may wish to have your own (detailed or brief) but it should be brought to the attention of all employees dealing with age-restricted sales. An example would be that before selling to a person suspected of being under age, refer to other senior staff for advice (if possible).Provide staff training
You have a responsibility to ensure your employees are aware of the legal requirements relating to age-restricted sales.Notices
Statutory notices should always be displayed prominently.
Additional notices may also be displayed to deter potential underage purchasers and to act as a reminder to employees.Refusals log
This will demonstrate to any enforcement body that refusals do occur. It also enables you to monitor refusals by individual employees. A history of refusals acts as evidence that your business is attempting to comply with the law.Till stickers/prompts
Reminds employees that the product is age-restricted and encourages them to consider their response to the attempted purchase.
What About My Employees?
You are legally responsible for the actions of your staff so if they sell to an under-age person you could be prosecuted. All staff selling age-restricted products must have an understanding of the law. Training must be given to all new starters and refreshers given to all staff on a periodic basis. Talk to them about proof of age cards and the ones your company will accept and encourage them to take time to look at their customers.
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Training should be recorded and must cover the following points.
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As part of your procedures you should ensure that employees sign a declaration or pledge sheet, to say that they have received training and understand the legal requirements imposed upon them and your business.
If appropriate there should be a regular staff audit to ensure that they are up to date and continue to understand what is required, you may even wish to do your own test purchase exercise.
How Will These Requirements Be Enforced?
Test Purchasing
Trading Standards conduct test-purchase operations on age-restricted products using volunteer children. If a sale is made we will investigate what precautions the retailer took to avoid the sale occurring. Our findings will then influence what further action we will take.
Valid Photo-ID
Also accept UK Passports
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| Please Note Portman 'Prove It' cards are no longer being issued,those that are in date are still valid. |
| Please Note: Connexions Cards are no longer available. |
Products
Retailer Pack - Forms
Pdf versions of questionnaire and forms. An Adobe Acrobat Reader plug-in may be required
Training Questionnaire
152kbThe Pledge
102kbRefusals Record
76kb