'Lying not OK' says LACORS
A new and long-awaited draft code of conduct for sting operations - leaked to the Morning Advertiser - says children should not lie about their age, use fake ID or dress to look older than they are.
The guidance, if adopted, means that licensees will not fall foul of sting operations if they ask for proof of age or question the age of young customers.
Welcomed by the tradeNews that children are not being told to give a false date of birth has been welcomed by the trade, and it will put pressure on councils such as Liverpool to stop allowing test purchasers to lie.
The 17-page guide says young people "must be told to answer any questions that the seller may ask about their age truthfully". The guide does, however, sanction the use of "covert equipment", such as recording devices, when appropriate.
Home Office viewThe draft guidance comes from local government co-ordinator LACORS, which said it would seek Home Office views before releasing the code.
This could prove significant because the Home Office has indicated that it is sympathetic to the idea that children should be allowed to lie about their age.
Home Office minister Paul Goggins said: "If that young person is asked for proof of age it doesn't become an issue. If retailers get that right then the other issues are not so important."
For more on this story and full details of the guidance see this week's Morning Advertiser.
To have your say on underage test purchase stings click here
