Minister urges 'culture change' in booze sales
Home Office minister Paul Goggins has called for a "culture change" so young people expect to be asked for ID when buying alcohol - and therefore carry it at all times.
In a speech at the No ID, No Sale conference in Westminster last week, he told drinks industry figures: "The No ID No Sale initiative - which was launched two years ago - is a very important part of our battle to prevent under-age sales.
"Almost all 16 and 17-year-olds who tried to buy alcohol in the past year were successful at least once, according to the latest figures."
The Wythenshawe and Sale East MP added: "We therefore must continue working together to stop this happening.
"By doing that, we can change the culture of young people, which will be good for business, our children and the larger society."
He said that, while this would be a central theme during the year ahead, it would not work without the co-operation of the trade.
Licensees and retailers needed "to adopt this simple message into their businesses," Goggins added.
Chief Inspector Adrian Studd, head of the Metropolitan Police Clubs and Vice Unit, said his team carried out test purchases in 1,864 pubs last year, of which 635 (34%) sold to under-age drinkers.
He added: "Licensees must get rid of promotions such as 'drink as much as you can for £10'.
It's just not responsible retailing."
Brandon Cook, lead officer for age-restricted sales at the Trading Standards Institute, said: "It's very hard to tell when a person looks under age. Ask yourself: is this person 21 or more? If not, ask for ID and study it."
