Growing numbers of enforcement operations by Trading Standards officers can threaten retailers’ alcohol licence or lottery terminal; and retailers and their staff can face severe penalties for selling age-restricted products illegally, including fines and even imprisonment.

Compliance with the Law

By promoting CitizenCard, the Government-supported UK proof of age scheme, and providing adequate staff training, retailers demonstrate 'due diligence' on age-related sales - thus helping to protect their businesses and staff from prosecution. By asking to see proof of age, if there is any doubt in establishing a young person’s age, traders are complying with age-restricted legislation.

Training

This should include advice on:

• How to deal with sales
• How to make a request for proof of age
• How to refuse a sale

A record of staff training and sale refusals should be kept. Training should be regularly renewed.

Valid ID for Proving Age

• Photo Driving Licence
• Passport
• PASS hologram proof of age cards, e.g. CitizenCard, Validate UK

Moral Responsibility

By adopting a ‘No ID, No Sale’ policy traders help to protect young people by making it difficult for them to access age-restricted products at a vulnerable stage in life. This helps to protect their health and reduces incidences of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

No ID, No Sale Policy

Guidance for Staff

• Challenge 25 - If you think a customer is under 25, request proof of age
• ID – Ask for a valid form of ID
• Photograph – Compare the photograph with the customer
• Age – Check the customer’s age
• Fake – Check the card is genuine and has not been tamperedwith or altered in any way
• ‘PASS’ – Check for a PASS hologram on proof of age cards
• Application Form – Offer a CitizenCard application form if they do not have proof of age
• Record – Record any refusals in a refusal book

If in doubt, don’t sell.

Guidance for Managers

• A ‘No ID, No Sale’ policy should be adhered to
• Display a window sticker, poster and point of sale notices displaying age-restricts and your support of the CitizenCard scheme indicating you will be asking to see proof of age
• Display the statutory tobacco warning notice ('It is an offence to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18') and make sure it is prominent and clearly visible at point of sale. (This sign must measure not less than 297mm x 420mm (A3) and be displayed prominently.)
• Train all staff regularly. Make sure they know which products have an age restriction on them and the procedures for selling those products. Make it clear which forms of ID are acceptable and that they understand the details on these.
• Record all training and provide and review a refusal book in which staff can record any refused sales
• Inform Trading Standards or the Police if you think a form of ID is being misused. Make a note of the card’s detail and retain it. If you suspect misuse – don’t sell

Further Information