ACS

ACS has welcomed new police powers coming into effect today to confiscate alcohol from under-18s and to disperse under-age drinkers from an area where they are drinking or behaving anti-socially. ACS has also commented on new regulations introducing a “two strikes” rule against licensees who are proved to have sold to those under age.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The long-term solutions to tackling alcohol-related disorder must focus on the individuals who choose to attempt to buy alcohol when under 18. These measures allow the police to take effective action against under age people themselves, and retailers will welcome this approach.

“It is now up to the police to use these powers, and we think they should use the Community Alcohol Partnership model that was launched successfully in Cambridgeshire and is now rolling out into other areas. We are proud to help fund and support this programme because by working with retailers, schools and community groups, alcohol-related problems can be addressed properly.”

ACS have also commented on the revised “two strikes” system where retailers selling alcohol to an under-age person twice in three months would automatically see their licence reviewed or a closure notice issued. Mr Lowman said: “Under licensing law, retailers can already have their licence reviewed – and ultimately lose their licence – for one indiscretion, so talk of two or three strike policies can be misleading. However the tightening of the law on closure notices should remind retailers to sharpen up their procedures to stop under age sales. ACS has been working closely with the Home Office on these changes, and we are pressing for guidance to enforcement agencies stating that retailers should be informed of their first transgression before further test purchasing is carried out.”

ACS has chosen today to launch a set of in-store materials to help members to do exactly this and to train themselves and their staff to handle incidents where customers become aggressive when refusing a sale of alcohol, or tobacco. The materials have been developed with ACS’ licensing advisors Licensing Solutions; and the pack sent to all full ACS members this week includes:

• A specially-written booklet on handling confrontation with customers
• Challenge 25 posters
• A PASS training card to help retailers to identify genuine proof of age

Mr Lowman said: “Preventing under age sales has to be at the top of retailers’ agenda, and we are providing practical help for them to stop children buying alcohol in convenience stores. Too often refusals of sales to young people lead to abuse and intimidation of staff, and we are grateful to Licensing Solutions for producing excellent guidance to help retailers to handle these situations.”

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 533009/ 07921 372978
Chris Noice Communications Co-Ordinator
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. Legislation relating to Closure Notices can be found in Section 28 of Policing and Crime Act, which amends 147Aof the Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17)

3. http://www.wsta.co.uk/Community-Alcohol-Partnerships.html Philip Loring, CAP Co-ordinator, explained CAPs at the ACS Heart of Community Seminar in November 2009.

4. Licensing Solutions has been created to offer a fresh new approach to licensing opportunities in the retail sector by Chris Mitchener and his team. ACS members have access to a free licensing helpline with Licensing Solutions. Call ACS on 01252 515001 for information about membership and support.
 
6. PDFs of the Underage Sales Pack are available on request. Please contact Chris Noice on 01252 533013 for more information.