Sale of Alcohol and Tobacco to Children

It is a sad fact of life that our children have at some point in time dabbled with alcohol, tobacco and perhaps even illegal drugs.

However it is easier seemingly for our children to get hold of alcohol and cigarettes even though the law and government legislation tell us that this is not the case.

How Do Our Children Get Alcohol and Tobacco?

The simple fact of the matter is that many of our children look older than they actually are and with the addition of make-up for the girls and teenage boys seemingly growing taller it is difficult for shopkeepers in some instances to tell the precise age.

Likewise in certain circumstances it is the case that older individuals procure alcohol and tobacco for their younger counterparts and often encourage such behaviour.

Sale of Alcohol

It is illegal to sell alcohol to or procure alcohol for anyone under the age of eighteen in the United Kingdom. Likewise it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of eighteen in a public house, restaurant or nightclub environment.

Shopkeepers are advised where possible to ask for identification with definitive proof of age before selling alcohol to anyone who they suspect may be under age.

Also you must have an approved licence issued by a magistrate which authorises you to sell alcohol to anyone over the age of eighteen. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines of up to £5,000, loss of your liquor licence and possible custodial sentencing if such offences persist.

Sale of Tobacco

Previously the law stated that the legal age at which an individual can buy cigarettes was sixteen however with changes implemented by the government in September 2007 the legal age at which an individual could buy cigarettes was raised to eighteen.

It is a criminal offence to sale cigarettes to anyone under the revised age of eighteen and the penalty for which is a hefty fine and possible prosecution by Trading Standards who regularly conduct spot checks and so-called 'mystery shopper' tests to see if shopkeepers are adhering to the guidelines as laid down.

Identification

If you are responsible for the sale of tobacco or alcohol it is always worth asking for identification if you are not entirely convinced that the individual in question is over the required age limit.

Most local authorities are now working in conjunction with the National Health Service (NHS) and Citizencard in order to provide a recognised and universally accepted form of identification for individuals under the prescribed age limit so that their age can be checked.

You should also consider the likelihood that if someone asking to buy tobacco or alcohol cannot provide you with the relevant identification or becomes argumentative as a result then it is most likely the case that they are under age.

It is best in such circumstances - where age is in question - not to make a sale and to ask them to return with the relevant identification if they wish to make a purchase. Most people if they are genuine will understand your willingness to protect both those individuals who are underage and also your own livelihood.

For more information about the Licensing Act 2003 you should contact your local Trading Standards office.

And for information on ID cards for students and young people you should contact Citizencard or visit their website.