Under-age alcohol sales

Figures from the fourth alcohol misuse enforcement campaign show that nearly one in three minors taking part in trading standards operations were able to buy alcohol in bars and pubs, and one in five were able to buy alcohol in off-licences.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said he was "disappointed" with the latest findings.

"We have given police new powers, such as fixed penalty notices, to deal with alcohol related disorder," he added.

"However the licensed trade need to build on the real progress they have made to drive down sales to young people even further.

"I am heartened by the industry's assurances that they are committed to achieving this but I have made it clear to them that we expect to see real improvements in their performance.

"I will continue to monitor the situation to ensure this happens."

 

Stakeholder Response: The Association of Convenience Stores

 

 

Association of Convenience Stores director of public affairs James Lowman said: "We believe that there has been a fundamental change of approach and renewed energy applied to tackling underage sales in the last 12 months.

 

"The results show that there has been a major decline in test purchase failures, and this is due to the work that the trade has put in to tackle the problem.

 

"What is especially pleasing is that the marked improvement that we see in performance is reflected across all parts of the off licence sector. Large and small retailers are playing their part in tackling underage drinking."

 

"However, let’s be clear that there is no room for complacency, the figures have improved over the last 12 months, but we are disappointed that there has been little change in the results from Christmas 2005 and summer 2006.

 

"We must aim for a further reduction in failures, and that challenge continues. ACS will be working with colleagues from across the alcohol industry and driving through the improvement in standards that we know all responsible retailers want to achieve."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: Federation of Small Businesses

 

 

Matthew Knowles of the Federation of Small Businesses said: "Whilst we cannot condone stores selling to under-age drinkers, the fault cannot be fairly laid at the feet of small retailers. 

 

"Often over-18s, including in some cases parents, buy alcohol for consumption by children.On other occasions a group of youths will intimidate a small shop owner into selling them drinks with the threat of criminal damage to the store if they do not get served. 

 

"It is quite galling for a small store keeper to be prosecuted when the authorities are nowhere to be seen when the shop owner is being threatened. 

 

"Better policing of anti-social behaviour would protect small shops as well as protecting under-age drinkers from their own desire to adversely affect their health and break the law."