Officers from North Somerset Council's Trading Standards
team in conjunction with Avon and Somerset Constabulary have issued
five fixed penalty notices against sellers of alcohol to under-age
volunteers.
Two out of four stores visited in Nailsea made illegal sales,
together with three out of five traders in Portishead. Action is
currently on going with regards to the licensees. Local residents
have raised concerns, as have the police, at the level of under-age
drinking in these two localities.
The £80 fine was issued against shop assistants who did not ask
for ID before selling alcohol to 15 and 16 year old volunteers. A
mixture of small independent shops, convenience store chains and
national supermarkets were subject to test purchasing
exercises.
Councillor Deborah Yamanaka, North Somerset Council's executive
member for environment and community, said: "Our advice to sellers
is that they should always check ID and not attempt to guess the
age of young purchasers. Sales assistants need to realise that if
they make a sale to someone under-age they risk prosecution.
"The law is clear and longstanding on the 18 age limit. A
commitment to train staff to always check ID is essential to reduce
the social harm to communities and the personal health risks to
young people.’
"We have an on-going commitment to test purchasing as a method for
identifying those licensees who do not recognise the importance of
preventing underage drinking and the anti-social behaviour linked
with it. Alcohol consumption by young people is harmful to those
involved and adversely affects the community as a whole."
If you are concerned about the sale of alcohol to young people
in your area you can notify the Trading Standards team on 01275 888
634.
