Preventing underage sales
If an age-restricted product is sold to an underage person, the retailer and the salesperson can be guilty of a criminal offence. This applies even if the underage person claims they are buying the item for an adult. If you are in doubt, and the person cannot provide legitimate proof of their age, our advice is to refuse to sell the goods to them.
If you sell age-restricted products you need to be fully aware of the age limits. All staff should be adequately trained and aware of your company’s procedures and policies.
We have further guidance for businesses about:
Trading Standards carry out frequent test-purchasing exercises using child volunteers. Volunteers are asked to attempt to purchase a variety of age-restricted goods including alcohol, fireworks, tobacco and solvents. If you are caught selling these goods to an under-age person it may result in legal proceedings.
Proof of age
The easiest way to stop selling to underage customers is to always ask young customers for proof of age, even if they initially appear old enough to sell to.
Police and Trading Standards recommend you only accept proof of age with both the date of birth and a photo, such as:
- Citizencard
- passport
- photo driving licence
- other authorised proof of age cards such as Validate or Portman Group Card.
There are fake proof of age cards about, so if you are unhappy with any card for any reason, refuse the sale. Items such as birth certificates and national insurance cards are not recommended since they carry no photo so can be passed between friends.
You legally have the right to refuse any customer either over or under age if you are unhappy with the sale in any way.
Citizencard have produced an information pack for retailers selling age restricted products. If you would like one, please contact Trading Standards.
