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News

Crackdown on Underage Sales of Alcohol

Selling alcohol to children is illegal and will not be tolerated is the tough message from the Borough of Poole’s Environmental and Consumer Protection (E&CPS) services which are planning a number of operations in the coming weeks.

Under age volunteers, under the supervision of  Poole trading standards officers, will try to buy alcohol as part of the biggest ever national crack down on rogue licensees and drunken loutishness.

In a stark warning to retailers and licensees, Cllr Don Collier, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “Selling alcohol to under-18s is not only irresponsible it is a criminal offence with serious consequences. We will not hesitate to prosecute if we get sufficient evidence. The licensee and the person who are sold it are guilty of separate offences for the same sale, both are criminal offences.

 “We do significant work with the trade to ensure they understand the law around under age sales, the consequences of their actions and the ways of ensuring they don’t accidentally sell to the underage. This prevention also helps to protect the interests of the majority of responsible retailers and licensees, who comply with the law and refuse sales of alcohol to underage young people. Community safety and consumer protection are important aspects of Trading Standards’ work and our officers are making a significant contribution to the drive to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and health problems associated with the abuse of age restricted goods.”

Trading Standards have already carried out some undercover purchases and were disappointed to find that 4 out of 13 shops sold to the under age volunteers. E&CPS would like to remind businesses that they should ask for proof of age, without this they should not make a sale. Businesses can get advice from officers which includes an interactive training pack, developed across the South West. The pack includes detailed guidance on how to apply the No Proof-No Sale approach and includes leaflets and notices as well as a CD Rom.

Shaun Robson, Head of Environmental and Consumer Protection, Borough Of Poole, said: "As part of this national campaign, Poole Trading Standards are disappointed with the results so far and we  will be carrying out additional test purchasing operations in the run up to Christmas. The under age sales issue continues to be an enforcement priority here, primarily due to the effect such sales can have in terms of anti-social behaviour in our local communities. We would rather help businesses and that is why we are promoting the interactive training pack. Businesses can contact us for advice on 01202 261700."

Lucy Magill, Regulatory Services Manager, Environmental & Consumer Protection, Borough of Poole tel 01202 261736