Test Purchasing UK
9 February 2012
Managing Director of Access Training Nicky Mc Ginley, is delighted to finally announce the launch of Test Purchasing UK's website.
Over the past several years in her role as a trainer and a licensing practitioner within the licensed trade, Nicky has worked with many organisations who have failed to meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003; unfortunately they were made aware of their shortcomings when it was too late. Accountability for the responsible retailing of alcohol has been placed with the Designated Premises Supervisor who are the 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.
Test Purchasing UK has evolved to facilitate an independent, covert operation which enables Designated Premises Supervisors to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their staff, policies and procedures, during the sale of age restricted products. Test Purchasing UK provides cost effective evidence of systems which would go a considerable way in demonstrating a defence of due diligence.
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 age of 18 to enter licensed premises in an attempt to purchase alcohol and other age restricted products. In the event that the premises fail the test purchase, the premises could be subject to a fine or review under the 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 is taking a responsible proactive approach to the promotion of the licensing objectives.
The overall objective of 'Test Purchasing UK' is to provide an independent Test Purchase Service which will involve a young person aged 18 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. cigarettes, alcohol) and key information regarding the transaction including whether ID was requested, a description of the server, a till receipt (if provided), plus additional key facts. Our visitors despite being over the legal age to purchase the age restricted product are all young looking, 18 0r 19 year old people should be asked to provide ID to complete the transaction - particularly if premises operate a 'Challenge 21' or 'Challenge 25' Policy. Within 24 hours, the visit report is available on our online database with the specified action.
For further information on TEST PURCHASING UK please visit our website at www.testpurchasing.com
