|
|
 
Light on dark
|
|
|
|
Trading standards - retailRetailers need to be aware of a variety of legislation depending on the types of products being sold.For example, a newsagent would need to know the specific rules relating to pricing, business names, underage sales and the safety of toys, fireworks and food. In addition retailers need to be aware of the Sale of Goods Act which sets out people's rights when they buy consumer products. These are that goods must be as described, fit for their purpose and of satisfactory quality. The 'Ask Cedric' website contains a wealth of advice and guidance for retailers broken down by the category of product sold. The website can be accessed using the link below. Alternatively, retailers based in North Yorkshire can ring our business advice team on the number below for help. Challenge 21North Yorkshire County Council Trading Standards and Planning Services are supporting the 'Challenge 21' scheme. The scheme aims to assist alcohol retailers and licensees to check the age of anyone buying alcohol that appears to look under the age of 21. The scheme has grown in popularity, with many retailers and publics houses already participating. It is acknowledged that it can be difficult to determine, by appearance alone, if someone is over 18; often teenagers can look older than they really are. This scheme works by saying that if purchasers of alcohol appear to be under the age of 21, they will be asked to prove that they are over 18, to buy alcohol or other age restricted products. The scheme does not suggest that you must be 21 to buy alcohol. Retailers are being encouraged to 'Challenge 21' by checking the ID of younger purchasers, to verify their age should they look under 21 years old. In addition, retailers are being warned to be aware of the growing number of fake ID cards that young people may be obtaining. Retailers are also being asked to remind their staff and to look up, at the potential purchaser, before making a sale of alcohol, checking out how the individual looks, their manner and demeanour- all indications of the age of the person, and if in doubt of their age, to ask for ID. The campaign operates a 'NO ID, NO SALE' policy, whereby, if suitable proof of age is not provided then a sale will be refused until. Acceptable forms of proof of age are a picture driving licence, passport or a proof of age card bearing the PASS hologram. Supporting and promoting the 'Challenge 21' scheme is the first step in a new Alcohol Respect Campaign (ARC), which is being piloted by Trading Standards and Planning Services, to reduce the sale of alcohol to minors and therefore reduce anti social behaviour. The Campaign aims to work with local retailers, police, local schools and residents to increase awareness of the problems of underage drinking, reduce sales to minors and also tackle the problem of adults supplying minors with alcohol, more commonly referred to as 'proxy' sales. The campaign seeks to strengthen community involvement and increase social responsibility, particularly where alcohol supply to young people is concerned. Above all, it is about having respect for the people and the area in which we live. If you are a retailer or licensee and would like some advice regarding the sale of age restricted products, please contact our Business Advice Team on 01609 534868. If you are a resident and would like to make a complaint regarding the sale of age restricted products to minors, please contact Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506.
|
|
