Our friends over at Serve Legal used the recent Alcohol Awareness week to call for a more consistent approach from enforcement authorities on the issue of underage sales. We take a look at their proposals.
In a statement, Serve Legal said:
It is too easy to point the finger of blame at retailers alone … legislators, local authorities and police have to face up to weaknesses and inconsistencies in their approach to the problem.
In particular, the company points out that inconsistencies across the country in the ways in which underage sales are tackled make it difficult for national licensed operators to develop countrywide policies to tackle the problem and to ensure staff are trained to the required standard.
It also pointed out that were more people to be convicted of trying to buy alcohol when underage then that would discourage alcohol sales. Certainly, we can agree that if the worst that happens (and then on only a few occasions) is that a fixed penalty notice of £80 is issued, is it any wonder that society does not take the problem seriously?
Serve Legal has called for a range of measures to be introduced including:
- A code of practice to bring consistency to the approach of police and local authorities across the country.
- Tighter control over sting operations to ensure evidence is carefully recorded.
- More open, honest dialogue between the authorities and retailers to agree joint actions.
- More focus on proxy sales – making it clear adults will be prosecuted for buying alcohol for the underage.
- A commitment to charge youngsters who buy alcohol.
What do you think? Is a strong enough message against underage sales getting across? Would these proposed measures have the required effect? What else can be done? Why not use the comment box below to leave your views?
If you need advice on this article, please contact either Lisa Croft, Michael Parrott or Rob Westwood-Payne on 01242 285855 or email us.