The British Retail Consoprtium reports that it welcome the introduction of £50 on the spot fines for under 18s trying to buy alcohol.
Retailers always take their responsibilities on preventing underage sales very seriously, the BRC says, but part of this responsibility needs to lie with the purchaser if a ‘cultural change’ is to come about.
Retailers, the consortium claims, have always backed the principle of ‘No ID, No Sale’ as the message is very clear to both the retailer and the customer. However, ID cards need to be produced and accepted with confidence, which is why the BRC with support from the Home Office and other relevant trade associations created PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme). Retailers should instantly know that any ID card carrying the PASS hologram is genuine.
The enforcement of ‘No ID, No Sale’, coupled with PASS is key to tackling underage drinking and its anti social side effects. Over one million people currently hold PASS cards, but the BRC adds that it needs more support from the Government to communicate the benefits of PASS to retailers, publicans, cinematographers, young people and the police.
