In England and Wales, licensed premises are subject to strict regulations regarding the sale and provision of certain age-restricted items. The most common age-prohibited items at licensed premises include alcohol, tobacco products, and other items that have legal age restrictions. Licensing Professionals have written the following overview of age-prohibited items:
1. Alcohol
Legal Age: The minimum legal age to purchase or consume alcohol on licensed premises is 18.
ID Verification: Licensed premises are required to verify the age of anyone who appears to be under 18. Common forms of ID include a passport, driving license, or an accredited proof-of-age card.
Challenge 21/25 Policy: Many premises operate a Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 policy, where anyone who appears to be under 21 or 25 is asked to provide ID.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Selling alcohol to someone under 18 can result in heavy fines, prosecution, and potentially losing the premises license.
2. Tobacco Products
Legal Age: The legal age to purchase tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco, and e-cigarettes or vaping products, is 18.
Display and Packaging: Tobacco products must not be openly displayed for sale, and packaging is required to be plain with health warnings.
Vending Machines: The sale of tobacco products from vending machines is prohibited.
Penalties: Selling tobacco products to minors can lead to fines and legal action.
3. Lottery Tickets and Scratch Cards
Legal Age: The minimum age to purchase lottery tickets or scratch cards is 18.
Compliance: Staff must ensure that purchasers are of legal age by checking ID if necessary.
Penalties: Selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18 can result in fines and prosecution.
4. Gambling Activities
Legal Age: The legal age for participating in gambling activities (e.g., playing gaming machines, placing bets) is generally 18.
Gaming Machines: Machines like slot machines or fruit machines typically have an age restriction of 18, except for certain low-stakes machines in family entertainment centers or some categories in licensed premises, which might allow access to those under 18.
Penalties: Allowing underage individuals to gamble can lead to penalties, including fines and the potential loss of a gambling license.
5. Films and Video Games
Legal Age: Licensed premises that show films must adhere to the age classification system set by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). Similarly, video games have age ratings based on the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system.
Compliance: Patrons must be of the appropriate age to watch films or play video games that have a specific age rating (e.g., 12, 15, 18).
Penalties: Allowing underage patrons to access age-restricted media can result in legal consequences.
6. Certain Weapons
Legal Age: The sale of certain items that could be classified as weapons (e.g., knives, fireworks) is restricted to those over 18.
Compliance: Licensed premises, especially those that sell food or souvenirs, must ensure that such items are not sold to minors.
Penalties: Selling weapons to minors is a serious offense and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
7. Other Age-Restricted Products
Spray Paint: The sale of spray paint is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over due to concerns about graffiti.
Acid and Corrosive Substances: The sale of substances that could be used as corrosive weapons is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over.
Age-prohibited items-A Summary
Licensed premises in England must comply with stringent regulations regarding the sale and provision of age-prohibited items such as alcohol, tobacco products, lottery tickets, gambling services, and certain media or weapons. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and potentially the loss of the premises license. Staff training and strict age verification processes are essential for ensuring compliance and preventing underage sales.
For further information on age-restricted items, training, or consultancy services, contact Licensing Professionals today.
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