Shops sold alcohol to children in sting
TOWN hall bosses have put out a warning to retailers after two were caught selling alcohol to children during a council sting.
Two 15-year-old volunteers took part in an undercover mystery shopping exercise with the council’s public protection service, during which they attempted to buy alcohol from 21 shops across the borough over two days.
Two shops, both in Rochdale, sold them bottles of alcoholic mix without asking for ID – which is a criminal offence.
Council officers will now investigate the premises to decide whether to formally caution the stores, bring criminal prosecutions, or impose a ban on them selling alcohol for up to 12 months.
Mystery shopping exercises are conducted on a regular basis as part of the council’s responsible retailers scheme, which encourages retailers to help reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and poor health.
In the past year the scheme has carried out 126 test purchases, which resulted in 15 illegal sales. There have been two formal cautions and two written warnings, with more actions pending.
The scheme champions the Challenge 25 policy with traders, which means they are expected to ask for ID from anyone who appears to be under that age.
Councillor Jacqueline Beswick, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Retailers have an obligation to trade responsibly to protect our young people and communities from the harm that irresponsible drinking can cause.
“We take the safety, health and wellbeing of our children very seriously and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone illegally and irresponsibly serving alcohol.
“Our advice is to check before selling alcohol, ask for age identification and if in doubt refuse the sale.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Most premises are chosen for testing due to previous underage sales, or reports or complaints of antisocial behaviour and underage drinking.
Others are visited because they’ve not been checked in some time, or because they have changed ownership.
Anyone with information about the supply of alcohol, tobacco or other age-restricted products to children can report it via the confidential Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506 or online at citizensadvice.org.uk.