Pubs 'in limboland on underage sales'

Pub operators are in an "impossible" situation because of the inconsistent approach taken by local authorities to tackling underage sales.

Test-purchase company Serve Legal has welcomed a new consultation, run by

the Local Better Regulation Office, which aims to simplify the regulations around age-restricted products and provide a consistent approach to test purchasing. Responses will help shape a new code of practice.

"Retailers are currently in an impossible position because there is no consistent approach in tackling underage sales, and there are too many variables and differences in the actions of local authorities from city to city, town to town," said Serve Legal director Charlie Mowat.

"Because of this situation, retailers are unable to formulate and implement national, company-wide policies to tackle underage sales, and train sales staff more effectively to meet higher expectations."

Mowat called for a 100% commitment to charge and prosecute those who attempt to buy alcohol underage or who carry out "proxy" purchases on their behalf and "urgent action" against fake ID suppliers.

"Why are the authorities not doing more to close down retailers of fake or non-legitimate cards?"

Although pubs have made great strides in combating underage sales over the past few years, Mowat said some still have a long way to go.

"This is evidenced by their lack of engagement with local authorities, comments made by the authorities, and feedback that we get from our on-going dealings with regulators and trading standards," he said.

"For example, regulators put on free training but they don't take up the offer to attend."

He also believes the consultation is missing a major point — the need for companies to audit their processes after they have trained staff through self-testing.

Serve Legal is pressing for a wider move to self-regulation and testing when it comes to underage stings.