Responsible retailer award

The responsible retailer award recognises those organisations that meet legal and social obligations associated with the sale of age-restricted products.

The award is aimed at local retailers of alcohol, tobacco and other age-restricted products such as e-cigarettes, knives and energy drinks.

It is a free award which aims to introduce best practice on issues such as:

underage sales training and age verification processes
acceptable forms of ID and the use of refusals registers
preventing ‘proxy’ sales (over 18's buying on behalf of under 18's)
compliance with the Tobacco Directive
ensuring compliance with the Licensing Act 2003
preventing illicit tobacco from entering our communities

Registering your interest

To register your interest please contact us.

Receiving the award

Once you register, trading standards officers will visit you to assess your current processes and to advise as to how they might be improved. Once this guidance has been put in place you will receive the responsible retailer award and your achievement will be publicised.

Upon receiving the award, you will be given a certificate and sticker to display at your premises:

The award lasts for one year at which point you will be re-assessed.