Lords question two-strikes rule on underage sales
Lords have challenged the Government to prove why a two-strikes-and-you're-out rule is needed for underage alcohol sales.
The plan was agreed during the third reading of the Policing and Crime Bill in the House of Lords, but it came under criticism during the debate.
Under the Bill, licensees face fines of up to £10,000 and three-month licence suspensions for selling alcohol to under-18s twice in three months. A three-strikes rule has existed since 2007.
Lord Redesdale, chairman of the national Best Bar None scheme, said he believed there had been "few cases" of fines under the three-strikes rule.
"The issue that I have is that there is no evidence," he said.
"Where did 'two strikes and you're out' come from? I am concerned because if one offence has taken place, those in charge of the premises will have to retrain the staff and institute proper management."
Redesdale added: "The present system of three strikes has not really been questioned, and it is strange that this should turn up in the legislation."
Viscount Bridgeman asked: "Why have the Government suddenly decided that the number of strikes is a problem? The current system has been in place for less than two years, and what hard evidence is there that it is failing?
"Does the Minister have any statistics on the number of penalties and fines that have been issued to these premises for failing a test purchase?
"Presumably there must be evidence of lots of £80 penalty notices on bar staff and £10,000 fines on licensees for the first two offences that the Government are failing to act as a sufficient deterrent. I look forward to hearing the figures."
Home Office minister Lord West said the 2007 national sting operation showed 8% of targeted premises sold to under-18s twice over a three-month period.
However, he admitted there were no prosecutions under the three-strikes rule in 2007 and data from 2008 isn't available.
West said the two-strikes rule "will send a strong message that it is not acceptable to sell alcohol to children and that those who do will be punished".
