Telford & Wrekin Off-Licences Pass Test Purchases Operation
In the last few weeks, 13 off-licenses have been visited as part of a test purchase operation run by Telford & Wrekin Council and West Mercia Police.
Twelve premises visited passed the test and correctly refused the sale, which Telford & Wrekin Council say’s reflects the amount of work the Night Time Economy team have put into the Telford & Wrekin Proof of Age Scheme (PASS).
One off-licence in Newport failed and enforcement action is being considered.
Telford & Wrekin Council Trading Standards have been accredited by the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme supported by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI), to administer a Telford & Wrekin Proof of Age Scheme (PASS).
The Proof of Age Scheme aims to reduce the illegal sale of alcohol, solvents, knives, cigarettes or fireworks to young people. The PASS card is an ID card showing a colour photograph of an individual with their date of birth and on what dates they will turn 16 and 18, if applicable. These cards can be produced at the request of a retailer.
It is targeted for use by anyone under the age of 21.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Trading Standards Night Time Economy team has engaged with local schools and colleges to introduce the scheme and have explained that local retailers are being encouraged to ID everyone who looks under 21.
The team has also worked with off licenced premises to offer advice on the scheme, encourage them to ask for ID if someone looks under 21 and to sign up to a code of practice where they only accept photo ID cards.
Cllr Miles Hosken, Cabinet Member for Community Protection and Cohesion, said: “The Council, alongside the Police and other agencies, carries out test purchase operations throughout the year, however, this time of year often sees an increase so it is important to stress to all shop workers that they must be vigilant, if there is any doubt whatsoever ask for photo ID. Be safe not sorry.
“The success of this operation highlights to us that the message is getting through. We also hope that our work with youngsters will discourage them from even attempting to buy age-restricted products in the borough, and also that we are successfully promoting the scheme so that all local young people carry a PASS card.
“When asked, Telford and Wrekin retailers of age-restricted products frequently complain that they cannot tell a young person’s age based on appearance alone. They need, and indeed want, a reliable means of confirming a young person’s age - the Telford & Wrekin Proof of Age Scheme, provides this reassurance.”
