Investigations under way into businesses selling alcohol to children

Challenge 25 alcohol logo

Businesses selling alcohol are being warned that underage drinking will not be tolerated after two premises were caught selling alcohol to under 18s.

Nineteen licensed premises across the borough were targeted as part of a test purchasing exercise last month, which saw two 17-year-old volunteers attempting to buy alcohol.

Some premises were chosen for testing due to allegations that underage sales were taking place or because they had conducted underage sales in the past.

The test purchases, conducted by Rochdale Council’s trading standards team, found that the underage volunteers were able to purchase alcohol from two shops.

Of the 19 premises visited, 13 asked for photographic identification. Both of the shops who completed the illegal sales failed to ask for ID.  

Councillor Sara Rowbotham, the council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Underage drinking is an issue we take very seriously as it puts the health, wellbeing and safety of the borough’s young people at risk.

“The irresponsible sale of alcohol to underage children is unacceptable and it’s great to see the team taking action against those who break the law.”

The Licensing Act 2003 makes it an offence to sell alcohol to someone under 18-years-old.

Full investigations will now be conducted into the two premises and appropriate action will be taken. This could mean the premises receive warnings, cautions, prosecutions or licence reviews, depending on their previous history and other intelligence.

The test purchasing exercise was part of a council crackdown on underage sales during the Greater Manchester safe4summer campaign which promotes activities for young people and tackles antisocial behaviour.

The council regularly tests licensed premises and retail outlets to prevent dangerous age-restricted products such as alcohol, tobacco and knives being sold to children.

Businesses are advised to operate a Challenge 25 policy, which means asking for photographic identification from anyone who appears to be under 25. Once asked to produce identification, a sale should only be made once a customer proves they are over 18.

Residents with concerns about any suspected supply of alcohol, tobacco or other age restricted products to children should report it via the confidential Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0345 404 0506.