Time called on underage drinking

Underage volunteers were able to purchase bottled beers and fruit ciders from four of the ten premises in Rochdale without being asked for ID.

Local pubs, bars and clubs are being warned that underage drinking will not be tolerated after four were caught serving alcohol to under 18s.

Ten licensed premises across the borough were targeted as part of test purchasing exercise in October, which saw two 17-year-old volunteers attempting to buy alcohol at bars. Several of the premises were chosen due to allegations that underage sales were taking place.

The test purchases, conducted by Rochdale Borough Council’s trading standards team in partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), found that the underage volunteers were able to purchase bottled beers and fruit ciders from four of the ten premises without being asked for ID.

It is a criminal offence to sell alcohol to anyone aged under 18, so investigations will now be conducted into the four premises and appropriate action taken. This could mean the premises receive warnings, cautions, prosecutions or license reviews, depending on their previous history and other intelligence.

Councillor Jacqueline Beswick, the council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Underage drinking is an issue that we take really seriously because it puts the health, wellbeing and safety of our young people at risk. The illegal and irresponsible sale of alcohol to underage children will not be tolerated and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those who break the law. I urge all of our businesses to act responsibly and help protect our young people from harm by Challenging 25 and asking for ID.”

This test purchasing exercise is part of a council crackdown on underage sales. The council regularly tests both licensed premises and retail outlets to prevent dangerous age-restricted products such as alcohol, tobacco and knives being purchased by children.

Advice from the council’s trading standards team is for businesses to operate a Challenge 25 policy, which means asking for photographic identification from anyone who appears to be under that age or if they are unsure of their age. Sales should only be made once ID has been produced that proves a customer is over 18.

Residents with concerns about any suspected supply of alcohol, tobacco or other age restricted products to underage children should report it via the confidential Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk.