ACS

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reassured local shop retailers that new rules on checking ID for those under 18 are ‘nothing to fear’ for the overwhelming majority of the industry.

The Government today published its new mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailing. The code constitutes of 5 mandatory licensing conditions, including a requirement for retailers to check the ID of anyone that looks under the age of 18.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Preventing underage sales is the number one priority for any local shop selling alcohol. Retailers know that they have to develop a robust sales prevention policy and a comprehensive approach to staff training. ACS encourages all its members to adopt a strict challenge 25 policy, whereby any customer who looks under that age should be asked to prove their age when buying alcohol. Retailers that implement this will not fall foul of the new law.

“Local shops are on the frontline of preventing underage drinking in communities. There is consistent improvement in the performance of shops in reducing access to alcohol for young people. Retailers accept that if they fail in their responsibilities they face tough sanctions, but we expect this to be matched by a commitment from politicians, police and communities to support local shops in their difficult frontline role.”

The Government announcement which includes a range of restrictions on promotions undertaken in the pub trade has been criticised by pub and health campaigners for not extending restrictions on alcohol pricing to supermarkets and off licences.

Mr Lowman commented: “An introduction of minimum price per unit would have limited impact on local shops, which are not able to offer those very low cost promotions. However any regulation that would restrict the price of alcohol must be based on evidence that it would be effective in tackling problem drinkers. It is important that measures do not harm the vast majority of consumers who drink sensibly.

“The other promotional restrictions would increase bureaucracy for local shops. There should not be any further regulation unless there is clear evidence that these measures would be effective in reducing the alcohol related harms caused by the small minority of problem drinkers.”

ACS anticipates an announcement from the Conservative party today and will comment separately.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 533009/ 07921 372978
Chris Noice Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

2. The Home Office has laid regulations before parliament imposing conditions on alcohol licences. These regulations are laid under new powers granted to Ministers by the Police and Crime act 2009. The regulations are subject to negative resolution procedure and are expected to become law after 1st October 2010.

3. The specifics of the mandatory code are as follows:
• Banning irresponsible promotions such as "all you can drink for £10" offers, women drink free deals and speed drinking competitions. These promotions encourage people to drink quickly or irresponsibly and could lead to crime or antisocial behaviour.
• Banning "dentist's chairs" where drink is poured directly into the mouths of customers making it impossiblefor them to control the amount they are drinking.
• Ensuring free tap water is available for customers - allowing people to space out their drinks and reduce the risks of becoming dangerously drunk.
• Ensuring all those who sell alcohol have an age verification policy in place requiring them to check the ID ofanyone who looks under 18 to prevent underage drinking which can lead to anti-social behaviour and put young people at risk of harm.
• Ensuring that all on trade premises make available small measures of beers, wine and spirits to customers so customers have the choice between a single or double measure of spirits and a large or small glass of wine.

4. ACS responses at all stages of the consultation process on the mandatory code of practice are available on request.