Pubs improve in proof-of-age tests

Pubs are getting better at asking youngsters for ID, according to a leading test purchasing company.

Figures from Serve Legal show that between April and June pubs asked the company's volunteers - all aged between 18 and 19 - for ID in 71 per cent of test cases.

This is up from 69 per cent for the first three months of the year and an improvement on last year's overall figure of just 54 per cent.

In the off-trade 69 per cent of volunteers were asked for ID in the same six month period, up from 66 per cent in 2008.

Overall, between January to June Serve Legal volunteers visited 1,179 on-trade premises.

Regionally the best performing area was Scotland with a 75 per cent pass rate - up from 68 per cent.

Wales also saw an increase from 58 per cent to 73 per cent.

The results also revealed that underage drinkers were more likely to be successful in purchasing alcohol on a Sunday than on any other day of the week.

Serve Legal director Charlie Mowat said: "The results from the second quarter are particularly encouraging for the on trade and builds on the progress made in the first three months of the year. Companies that we work with are seeing sustained improvements, which proves that regular testing can help to bring positive results."

"From our experience, individual company performance improves due to a number of factors: awareness amongst bar staff that they are being randomly tested; increased focus from management on underage legislation, and also specific actions suggested from our analysis.

"The biggest driver for underage drinkers when it comes to buying alcohol is whether or not they think they'll be served. That's why it's important pubcos keep staff on their toes and send out a strong message of zero tolerance."