Age verification policy

The age verification policy in England and Wales is designed to ensure that businesses selling age-restricted products, such as alcohol, tobacco, and lottery tickets, comply with legal requirements and do not sell these items to individuals under the legal age limit. The policy is particularly important in licensed premises, like pubs and bars, where alcohol is sold. Licensing Professionals have prepared this breakdown of how the age verification policy works:

1. Legal Age for Purchasing Age-Restricted Products

Alcohol: The legal age for purchasing alcohol in England and Wales is 18.
Tobacco Products: The legal age for purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products is also 18.
Other Age-Restricted Products: The age for purchasing products like lottery tickets, certain knives, and fireworks is also restricted, typically to those aged 18 and above.

2. Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 Policies

Challenge 21: Under this policy, if a customer appears to be under 21, the retailer or staff member is required to ask for proof of age before selling alcohol, even though the legal age is 18. The goal is to create a buffer and avoid mistakenly selling to minors.
Challenge 25: A more stringent policy, Challenge 25 requires that anyone who appears to be under 25 is asked for proof of age before being sold alcohol. This provides a greater margin of error in judging whether someone is legally old enough to purchase age-restricted items.
Signage: Many licensed premises display signs that inform customers of their participation in Challenge 21 or Challenge 25, reminding them that they will be asked for ID if they look under the respective age limit.

3. Acceptable Forms of Identification

To verify a customer’s age, only certain types of identification (ID) are accepted. These IDs must show a photograph, date of birth, and be valid. Acceptable forms of ID include:

Passport.
Photographic Driving License.
Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) Card, such as CitizenCard or Validate UK.
National Identity Cards (for EU nationals).

These forms of ID ensure that the individual purchasing alcohol or other age-restricted products is at least 18 years old.

4. Obligations for Businesses

Refusal of Service: It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. If the customer cannot provide an acceptable form of ID proving they are over 18, the business must refuse the sale.
Training: Staff must be trained to implement the age verification policy, including how to ask for ID, what forms of ID are acceptable, and how to refuse a sale if the customer cannot provide proof of age.
Record-Keeping: Some businesses may choose to keep a log of refused sales (often referred to as a refusal book). This provides a record showing that the business is following its legal obligations, which can be helpful if authorities inspect the premises.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with the age verification policy and selling alcohol to minors can result in serious penalties for businesses and staff, including:

Fines: The business can face fines up to £5,000.
Criminal Convictions: Staff members who sell alcohol to minors could receive a criminal record.
License Revocation: The premises license could be reviewed and revoked, leading to closure.
Closure Orders: Repeated violations may result in the business being temporarily or permanently closed by authorities.

6. Online Age Verification

E-Commerce: For online sales of alcohol or other age-restricted products, businesses must also have age verification processes in place. This could include requiring customers to enter their date of birth, checking IDs upon delivery, or using third-party verification services to confirm the buyer's age.

7. Best Practices for Businesses

Staff Training: Ensure that all staff are trained to implement the Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 policies and understand how to check IDs.
Visible Signage: Display clear signage about the age verification policy to inform customers that they will be asked for ID if they look under 21 or 25, depending on the policy adopted.
Documentation: Keep records of training, incidents of refused sales, and any other relevant documentation to show compliance with the law.