12 off-licenses have teamed up with Watford borough council, local police and trading standards to launch an 'Off-watch' scheme to address illegal alcohol sales, reports the Watford Observer. The voluntary code means the off-licenses have agreed to take on special measures in order to prevent sales to those who are drunk, 'proxy' sales where adults but alcohol illegally for under 18s, and also a 'challenge 21' scheme whereby anyone appearing under 21 is asked for I.D. Businesses will be supported by local statutory services through the delivery of training, advice and practical assistance.
The scheme, which has yet to be officially launched, is likely to be followed closely as local alcohol leads have often reported failing to engage successfully with the off-trade, instead being forced to take action under licensing act powers. Recently guidance was released by a trade body on the Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) scheme, which claims to be a new successful approach to addressing public underage drinking associated with the off-trade.
Consultation is also underway as the government reviews its approach to the regulation of the alcohol retail industry including how alcohol is displayed in off-licenses and whether point of sale information on units should be displayed. See here for more information.
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