ONCE AGAIN, BEWARE OF TEST PURCHASES
14-Nov-2005
News from Poppleston Allen
I appreciate that I have covered this issue many times before. Nonetheless, in recent weeks I have been involved in numerous cases concerning recent failed test purchases. It seems that a lot of venues are still failing to ask for identification or indeed ask the simple question “what age are you?” to those who appear young.
I would remind you that test purchasers are not allowed to lie about their age and are generally 15 years of age. There is therefore very little excuse for failing to ask them for ID and failing to ask their age.
Any staff member who serves an underage person is likely to be dealt with by an on the spot fixed penalty of £80. However, as you will appreciate, there are repercussions for the licensee as well. The licensee is responsible in law for any sales at the premises even if they were not carried out by the licensee in person. A defence of due diligence applies and therefore it is vital that up to date training records are present on the premises showing that all staff have been properly trained in relation to this and other licensing issues. These can then be produced during an interview under caution to the police or trading standards in an effort to avoid prosecution.
I do not consider that it is melodramatic to say that any licensee should be constantly reminding staff during the course of every evening of trade to ask for identification for anyone in relation to whom there is any doubt whatsoever as to whether they are 18 or over.
PASS is the UK's national guarantee scheme for proof-of-age cards. PASS was launched because fake proof-of-age cards were becoming a widespread national problem, and those who sell illegally to under-age customers are liable to fines, sometimes on the spot, and can easily lose their licences.
For more information on PASS and to find out how you can get involved, please click here to view the leaflet.
