Best Bar None Norwich supports e-petition on under-age drinking

Licensed trade consultant Michael Kheng has launched an e-petition calling on the Government to take action against under 18-year-olds who attempt to buy alcohol in pubs.

His view, one that is endorsed by Best Bar None Scheme Manager Glenn Hoy, is that the on-trade is “targeted and blamed” for underage sales of alcohol yet those that commit the crime are “never, or rarely, penalised”.

Glenn told us, “This is a difficult and sensitive issue but one that needs support from those drinking alcohol as well as those selling and serving it. Not only via involvement from the authorities but through family and peer group pressure.”

Many outlets in Norwich are investing heavily in preventative measures, although currently, a member of bar staff or the licensee could be given an £80 on-the-spot fine for serving alcohol to anyone under-18. The licensee could also face a licence review, and a fine of up to £20,000.

Inspector Edward Brown who heads up the Norfolk Constabulary Licensing Team and oversees the Nightsafe Project said ‘The fault is certainly not all with licensees. We’re finding under 18’s are more and more frequently using fake ID or more commonly borrowing ID from friends and particularly older siblings. This is an offence and whilst we are not looking to criminalise young people they have to realise the potential consequences of their actions.

With the summer holidays approaching it will be tempting for under 18’s to try and get into pubs, bars and clubs as well as getting alcohol from off-licenses and supermarkets. We are actively targeting this area of business and we’ll continue to work alongside licensees to raise awareness and standards across the industry’.

For more information:

Contact: Glenn Hoy
Tel: 01603 224 880
Email: info@bestbarnonenorwich.co.uk
Web: www.bestbarnonenorwich.co.uk