ACS Encouraged by Test Purchase Figures
11 Oct 2007
ACS (Association of Convenience Stores), the campaigning voice of over 33,000 local shops, has welcomed the latest Government test purchase figures as a “positive step forward” in the fight to tackle underage drinking.
This summer’s Tackling Underage Sales of Alcohol Campaign (TUSAC) figures show an off-trade failure rate of just 14%, a decrease from 21% from a similar campaign last year. The results show a significant improvement in the test purchase failure rate since national test purchasing was introduced in 2004.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted at these encouraging figures. Whilst we recognise that tackling underage drinking is part of an ongoing challenge, these results are a positive step forward in stamping out under age sales of alcohol, and this shows how the off trade’s initiatives are proving effective in tackling under age purchasing.
“This year’s TUSAC figures demonstrate that the enormous energy the off-licence sector has put into tackling under age purchases, through setting up the CitizenCard and PASS initiatives and through driving the Challenge 21 campaign, is paying off.
"It is gratifying that the Government's response to these figures recognises the progress that is being made, but we remain frustrated that leading politicians including the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have recently and publicly singled out off-licences for criticism. We need to continue a constructive dialogue seeking comprehensive solutions, and ACS will continue to work with the industry and Government.”
James Lowman continued: "The message to retailers remains the same: adopt a strict No Id No Sale policy, use the Challenge 21 signage and policy, and train staff. We are starting to see licences being reviewed, and we will see licences being taken away, and it is up to each retailer to ensure that they are protecting their licence."
Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities
2. The 2007 summer TUSAC summary of results are:
Off licenses On licenses All
Test purchase operations 7,408 1,558 8,966
Sales 14% 18% 15%
Premises targeted 2,199 484 2,683
3. AMEC (Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign) figures for summer 2006 show off-licences received 21% test purchase failure rate, with the on trade receiving a 29% failure rate.
4. ACS is a leader on responsible retailing issues and fully supports the No ID No Sale and Challenge 21 campaigns. For free point of sale and other materials retailers can contact CitizenCard on 0870 900 9930
5. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman is on the Proof of Age Standards Scheme’s (PASS) and CitizenCard’s Board.
6. ACS is a member of the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG).
7. TUSAC is part a wider Government effort, guided by the alcohol strategy published in June this year, to reduce the harm that alcohol can cause to young people through tough enforcement of the law and effective education.
8. The Home Office Press Release is available at http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/
This summer’s Tackling Underage Sales of Alcohol Campaign (TUSAC) figures show an off-trade failure rate of just 14%, a decrease from 21% from a similar campaign last year. The results show a significant improvement in the test purchase failure rate since national test purchasing was introduced in 2004.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted at these encouraging figures. Whilst we recognise that tackling underage drinking is part of an ongoing challenge, these results are a positive step forward in stamping out under age sales of alcohol, and this shows how the off trade’s initiatives are proving effective in tackling under age purchasing.
“This year’s TUSAC figures demonstrate that the enormous energy the off-licence sector has put into tackling under age purchases, through setting up the CitizenCard and PASS initiatives and through driving the Challenge 21 campaign, is paying off.
"It is gratifying that the Government's response to these figures recognises the progress that is being made, but we remain frustrated that leading politicians including the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have recently and publicly singled out off-licences for criticism. We need to continue a constructive dialogue seeking comprehensive solutions, and ACS will continue to work with the industry and Government.”
James Lowman continued: "The message to retailers remains the same: adopt a strict No Id No Sale policy, use the Challenge 21 signage and policy, and train staff. We are starting to see licences being reviewed, and we will see licences being taken away, and it is up to each retailer to ensure that they are protecting their licence."
Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities
2. The 2007 summer TUSAC summary of results are:
Off licenses On licenses All
Test purchase operations 7,408 1,558 8,966
Sales 14% 18% 15%
Premises targeted 2,199 484 2,683
3. AMEC (Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign) figures for summer 2006 show off-licences received 21% test purchase failure rate, with the on trade receiving a 29% failure rate.
4. ACS is a leader on responsible retailing issues and fully supports the No ID No Sale and Challenge 21 campaigns. For free point of sale and other materials retailers can contact CitizenCard on 0870 900 9930
5. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman is on the Proof of Age Standards Scheme’s (PASS) and CitizenCard’s Board.
6. ACS is a member of the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG).
7. TUSAC is part a wider Government effort, guided by the alcohol strategy published in June this year, to reduce the harm that alcohol can cause to young people through tough enforcement of the law and effective education.
8. The Home Office Press Release is available at http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/