Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has reassured local shop retailers that new rules on checking ID for those under 18 are ‘nothing to fear’ for the overwhelming majority of the industry.
The Government yesterday published its new mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailing. The code constitutes of five mandatory licensing conditions, including a requirement for retailers to check the ID of anyone that looks under the age of 18.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Preventing under-age sales is the number one priority for any local shop selling alcohol. Retailers know that they have to develop a robust sales prevention policy and a comprehensive approach to staff training.”
Any premises that breach the mandatory code or any secondary conditions that have been imposed will face a range of possible sanctions, including losing their licence, having additional tough conditions imposed on their licence or, on summary conviction a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: “Alcohol-related crime costs the UK billions of pounds every year and while the vast majority of retailers are responsible, a minority continue to run irresponsible promotions which fuel the excessive drinking that leads to alcohol-related crime and disorder.”
In addition to the mandatory code tough, new powers for local councillors will come into effect on 29 January 2010. These will make it quicker and easier for them to tackle problem premises by calling for a review to restrict or remove their licence without having to wait for the police or local residents to complain.
Responding to the proposal, The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: “We’ve always questioned whether the mandatory code would address the real issues associated with alcohol misuse but we share the Government’s objective of tackling irresponsible businesses and consumers.”
