Independent retailers are increasingly accepting they have a key role to play in the battle against under-age drinking, according to the annual Retail Trends report by Independent Retail News.
Although 85% of independents surveyed said the responsibility to prevent under-age teenagers getting hold of alcohol rested with parents, 56% said retailers were also important in preventing youth boozing. By comparison, 35% of retailers said the police were responsible.
The latest figures from test purchasing company Serve Legal show the convenience store sector is increasingly vigilant in preventing alcohol sales to under-age youngsters (see story on page 9).
Proxy purchasing by adults for children is the bigger problem. The 2010 Retail Trends survey, however, revealed just 5% of retailers believed proxy alcohol sales have got worse in their area over the last 12 months, with 51% saying it had stayed the same and 44% stating it was less of a problem.
The survey revealed a mixed picture when it came to the average basket spend, with 18% of retailers saying it had increased in the past 12 months, 27% saying it had declined and 55% saying it has remained the same.
