Checking proof of age.

When you ask somebody to produce proof of age in order to complete a purchase you must ensure that only an approved form of identification is accepted and that you check it correctly : Only accept       - a valid passport       - a european style photo driving licence       - a PASS accredited card such as             + Portman 'Prove It' card             + Citizen card

Always ask for the identification to be handed to you for authentification purposes

Check that       1. Passport

:  the passport date :  it is valid :  the photograph :  it belongs to the customer :  date of birth :  the customer is old enough to complete the purchase

2. European style driving licence

:  the licence date :  it is valid :  the photograph :  it belongs to the customer :  date of birth :  the customer is old enough to complete the purchase

3. PASS cards

:  the card is completely flat with no raised edges around the photo or PASS logo :  reject the card if it is not flat :  the PASS logo hologram 3d effect is working :  reject the card if it is not flat :  the card date :  it is valid :  the photograph :  it belongs to the customer :  date of birth :  the customer is old enough to complete the purchase

4. The customer

:  matches the photograph on the card :  is not acting suspiciously :  has not altered the card offered in any way

the age of the customer even with the identification you MUST refuse the sale and record the details in the refusals book (see example )

Test purchasing Police and Weights & Measures officers may send under 18s in to your premises to attempt to buy alcohol to check compliance with the law. Under some circumstances the test purchaser may not tell the truth when asked if they are over 18 or if they have ID - you MUST ask for approved proof of age and check it. You must Challenge 21 and ask for proof of age if any customer looks under 21 and is attempting to purchase alcohol to avoid committing a criminal offence by serving under age. If you have any doubt about someone's age even if they have produced proof of age do not serve them with alcohol and note the refusal in the site refusal book. Duty to refuse service It is your duty to refuse to serve under 18s and also you must refuse to serve a person if they are or appear to be drunk. Remember, you commit an offence if: You sell alcohol to a person who is under 18 You allow alcohol to be sold to someone who is under 18 when you could have prevented that sale You sell alcohol to a person who is drunk You sell alcohol to a companion of a person who is drunk for the drunken person's consumption You allow alcohol to be sold to someone who is drunk when you could have prevented that sale On the spot fixed penalty notices can be issued for serving alcohol to someone who is drunk or under age with prosecution also being a possibility. If someone is drunk or disorderly they can be ejected from the premises and the police must assist if requested to do so - if you think a customer should be ejected please ensure that you seek assistance from a colleague and follow your company procedures in order to deal with the incident properly and safely. Additional information You must not sell liqueur confectionery (chocolates with alcohol inside) to a person under the age of 16. Your site may have other age-restricted products that you must know about including

Product group minimum age to purchase Liqueur confectionery 16 Lottery tickets 16 Cigarettes, tobacco and tobacco products 18 Knives and blades 18 Lighter fluids, butane, refills and solvents 18 Alcohol products 18 Adult magazines 18 Fireworks 18 DVDs & videos dependant on classification

Please speak to your supervisor about the products you have on sale at your site and the age restrictions that relate to them. Weights & Measures inspectors may also send under 18 test purchasers to attempt to purchase cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products from any premises to check compliance with the law - Challenge 21 requiring anybody who looks under 21 to prove that they are over 18 by providing the correct proof of age before you serve them with these products can help to avoid under age sales.

Use the Think 25 poster to remind your staff and reinforce the Challenge 21 initiative - download your copy here and display in the storerooms and staff areas !

You may also find this 'Birthday Age' till reminder useful at the tills as well - download here !

Remember, you commit an offence if you sell age -related products to somebody who is under age