Protecting children is a key responsibility for every licensed venue, and staying vigilant helps keep your pub safe, compliant, and welcoming.
Know the law
Children under 16 cannot be on wet-led premises unless accompanied by an adult, and for other licensed premises where alcohol is not the primary or exclusive use, unaccompanied children under 16 should not be present between midnight and 5am.
Many pubs also have premises licence conditions further limiting access for under-18s to certain times or areas (e.g. the bar). Ignoring these restrictions can result in prosecution, licence reviews, or removal of your DPS.
Selling alcohol to anyone under 18, allowing children to drink on the premises, or letting adults buy alcohol for children (proxy sales) are all serious offences, with an exception for 16- and 17-year-olds drinking beer, wine, or cider with a meal if accompanied by an adult who purchases the drink.
Premises licence holders can also be prosecuted for persistently selling alcohol if there are two or more sales to under-18s within three months. Conviction could result in an unlimited fine, suspension of alcohol sales for up to three months, or temporary closure agreed with the police.
Proper staff training, vigilance, and processes are essential to avoid breaching the law. With that in mind, here are some top tips for you and your team:
1. Staff training
Training is critical. Staff must understand their responsibilities before serving alcohol, with regular refresher sessions. Training should cover:
- Responsibilities around children and alcohol
- How to consistently follow your Age Verification Policy
- Identifying false or fraudulent ID
- Preventing proxy sales
Keep training records and have staff sign to confirm understanding.
2. Age verification policy
Having an age verification policy for alcohol sales is a mandatory condition of your premises licence, and it must be implemented consistently. Everyone who looks under 18 should be asked for ID.
Acceptable forms include passports, photo card driving licences, PASS-approved cards, or military ID - all with a photo, date of birth, and holographic or UV mark.
Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 policies help staff consistently check anyone appearing under 21 or 25.
3. Spotting false ID
Staff should:
- Look for signs of tampering
- Check photos against the person presenting the ID
- Verify holograms or UV marks
- Check distinguishing features such as scars or moles
The Home Office has produced guidance on false ID, which can be a useful reference for training and procedures.
Staff can potentially rely on a defence if they requested ID and it was not obviously false - making training crucial.
4. DPS oversight
The designated premises supervisor (DPS) should ensure staff follow the Age Verification Policy and all licence conditions relating to children are always applied.
5. Proxy sales and vigilance
Staff need to be alert to adults buying alcohol for under-18s. Monitor mixed-age groups carefully and apply ID checks consistently.
6. Risk assessment & adequate staffing
Senior management should be on hand to assist with disputes or difficult situations. Consider a brief written risk assessment to check staffing levels and other measures needed during busy periods, especially at Christmas.
7. Refusals register
Maintain a log of refused sales and review it regularly. This demonstrates that the pub is operating responsibly.
8. Under-18 staff
Young staff aged 16 or 17 can work in licensed premises, but alcohol sales must be authorised by the DPS or a responsible adult. The only exception is in areas where alcohol is served with a meal.
9. Premises culture and signage
Consider how your pub looks, your promotions, and your online presence. If you attract younger customers, ensure signage and policies clearly show that underage drinking is not allowed.
Busy periods like Christmas bring higher trade and higher risk. By training your team, enforcing age checks, supervising carefully, and keeping records, you can protect children, remain compliant, and enjoy a safe festive season.
- Suraj Desor is an associate solicitor at Poppleston Allen
