Licensees are reminded that it is now compulsory to ensure that an age verification policy is in place and that it applies to any person who appears to be under the age of 18 years. Any such person is to be required to produce, on request, identification which bears their photograph, date of birth and a holographic mark.
In some circumstances, the licence may contain a stipulation that an ID policy is in place for persons aged 21 or younger. In this case, anyone who appears to be under that age will be required to produce suitable identification.
It has also been reported that at least one council has started ‘test purchases’ designed to ensure compliance with the new regulation that small measures (125ml of wine, 25 or 35ml of spirits and ½ pint for beer, cider or lager) are available.
See the Home Office website for further information.
