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13 Dec 07Free Advice To Prevent Underage Sales
Retailers in Poole are being offered a new training resource to help their staff avoid underage sales of alcohol and other products.
Borough of Poole's Environmental and Consumer Protection Services is providing free copies of the 'No Proof of Age - No Sale' CD Rom to local businesses.
The training pack provides guidance on the sale of alcohol and other age restricted goods and information on recent changes in the law that have raised the age at which knives and tobacco products can be purchased.
The CD Rom contains a film, plus training aids and promotional materials designed to encourage staff to ask for valid ID from customers who appear to be under the age of 21.
Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: "Although checking that businesses are complying with the law is the responsibility of Trading Standards, Poole's Environmental and Consumer Protection Services is keen to help retailers and licensees comply with the law. The penalties for breaking it can be very serious, including large fines, prison sentences and a criminal record, and for those selling alcohol, loss of their licence. We would also like to remind residents that it is a crime to purchase an age-restricted product for someone who is not old enough in law to buy it, so think twice if asked."
Over the last six months, two retailers in Poole have been prosecuted for selling cigarettes to underage people. Two shops, which sold alcohol to under 18s, have had their premises licences reviewed.
Shaun Robson, Head of Environmental and Consumer Protection Services, Borough of Poole, said: "The health and social consequences of underage drinking and smoking are well known, but misuse of other age restricted products such as spray paints and solvents are increasing and can have equally serious effects. Trading Standards have produced this short film and some guidance notes for retailers and licensees, which gets the message across very clearly."
The 'No Proof of Age - No Sale' CD Rom has been developed by members of the Southwest Trading Standards Partnership with support from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
For a copy of the free CD Rom please telephone 01202 261700 or email environment@poole.gov.uk
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