Underage alcohol sales message hits home

Public Protection Officers at Rochdale Council believe their message to retailers about selling alcohol to underage customers is hitting home, after a recent test purchasing exercise, which targeted 12 stories in the Rochdale Township, resulted in just one sale in contravention of the Licensing Act 2003.

The act makes it a criminal offence to sell alcohol to anyone under 18.

The shop responsible is now under formal investigation after which a decision will be taken on what action it will face.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Internal and Environmental Services, said: “It is pleasing that all but one of the shops targeted acted in a responsible manner.

"But one store breaking the law is still one too many and there will be no let up in our efforts to identify retailers who fail in their duty to the community.”

Two 14-year-old volunteers carried out the operation as part of our ongoing campaign to protect young people in the borough. It was conducted in accordance with strict guidelines designed to protect the young volunteers whilst being fair at all times to the trader.

When making test purchases, volunteers must always tell the truth about their age, if asked. Retailers should always ask to see photographic identification that proves the customer’s date of birth if they are unsure of the person’s age.