ACS has called on MPs to give extra protections in law to retail workers selling age restricted products after a new strategy from the Government has been launched to support NHS staff who face abuse.
The strategy, announced today by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, includes legislation passed this year that makes offences against NHS workers aggravated.
ACS is supporting new clause 1 of the Offensive Weapons Bill, which calls for protections for retail staff that sell potentially harmful products like corrosive substances.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the Government’s attention on protecting frontline workers through legislation, but there is more to be done to protect retail staff who are frequent victims of abuse and violence. We are calling on MPs to show their support for the new clause in the Offensive Weapons Bill, and want to see additional protections for shopworkers extended to the sale of all age restricted products.
“The government has given retailers and their staff the responsibility of upholding and enforcing the law around the sale of age restricted products, and it should support them by enforcing tougher sentences on those who are abusive and violent when challenged to prove their age.”
The 2018 ACS Crime Report shows that retailers’ top concern is violence and abuse against them and their staff, and preventing underage sales was found on the report to be one of the most significant triggers of abuse and violence. ACS has produced an animation to help retailers and their staff manage and prevent violence and abuse in stores.
