Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman has said this week that people are increasingly being asked for proof of age when buying alcohol in convenience stores.
Lowman was responding to questions from the Culture, Media and Sport select committee in Parliament on the impact of the Licensing Act 2003.
This week, he was forced to defend the off-trade after Conservative MP Nigel Evans said it was generally perceived that under-18s obtain most of their drink from shops.
In the committee, he claimed that there has been a definite “culture change” but it is crucial local authorities are given guidance on how to use the powers afforded them under the Act.
“The hearing was a valuable opportunity to discuss both the positive and negative effects of the new licensing regime,” Lowman commented.
Local authorities now issue licences for alcohol sale under the new Act, which come into force in November 2005.
