How effective is your 'Challenge 21' Policy
1 September 2009
Accountability for the responsible retailing of alcohol has been placed with the Designated Premises Supervisors who are a single point of accountability for premises that offer the sale of alcohol by retail and responsible for ‘Due Diligence’ within the premises. In order to demonstrate a ‘Due Diligence Defence’ the Designated Premises Supervisor has to demonstrate support for the Licensing Objectives in particular ‘Protection of Children from Harm’, primarily through the prevention of underage sales.
Currently throughout England and Wales each Local Authority Trading Standards Department carries out covert Test Purchasing, this procedure involves them authorising a person under the 18 to enter licensed premises in an attempt to purchase alcohol and other age restricted goods. In the event that the premises fail the test purchase, the premises could be subject to a fine or review under licensing authority which could ultimately result in the premises having their licence revoked. Using an independent test purchase service demonstrates to the local authority that the Designated Premises Supervisor of licensed premises is taking a responsible and proactive approach to the promotion of the licensing objectives. The service that we intend to develop and provide for customers is one that will enable them to measure their organisations performance of their staff in relation to age restricted products. It will also enable them to implement adequate measures in accordance with the outcome of the results in order to improve the due diligence and best practice within the organisation.
‘Test Purchasing UK’ will provide an independent Test Purchase Service which will involve a person under the age of 21 entering licensed premises unannounced, in an attempt to purchase an age restricted product. This service will be targeted specifically at premises which actively support the ‘Challenge 21’ or ‘Challenge 25’ Policy. On entering licensed premises the test purchaser will record the product (e.g. alcohol or cigarettes) and key information about the transaction including whether ID was requested, a description of the server, a till receipt (if provided), plus some other key facts.Our visitors are all young-looking, 18 or 19 year old people and should be asked to provide ID to complete the transaction - particularly if you operate a Challenge 21 / Challenge 25 policy.
Within 24 hours, the visitor completes a report for the visit on our online database. Within 48 hours, this report is sent by email to the Designated Premises Supervisor for the specified premises for action.
