Challenge 25 Policy

From 1st October 2011 in Scotland, the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 introduces a new mandatory condition for all premises licences and occasional licences requiring that there must be an age verification policy in relation to the sale of alcohol on the premises.

The law has set a minimum age of 25 years for the policy where it appears to the person selling the alcohol that the customer may be under the age of 25 years.

As a result of this change in the law, customers in any premises in Scotland licensed for the sale of alcohol, including pubs, clubs, restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores may be asked to produce identification where they appear under the age of twenty five to prove that they are over the age of eighteen and can lawfully purchase alcohol.

So, if you are lucky enough to look under 25 you will be asked to prove that you are aged 18 or over when you buy alcohol. If you are under 18 you are committing an offence if you attempt to buy alcohol.

PROVING YOUR AGE
Under the terms of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 there are three forms of identification which licensees and their staff can accept as proving your age. These are:
(i) A Passport
(ii) A European Photocard Driving Licence or
(iii) A PASS accredited proof of age card.
So, if you haven’t got a proof of age card please carry either a Passport or your Driving Licence. However, given the significant difficulties in replacing wither of these types of document should they become lost or mislaid we would recommend that you consider obtaining a proof of age card which can be replaced far more easily if it has to be.
Please remember that there is no automatic right of entry to licensed premises nor is there an automatic right to service of alcohol. Entry is always at the discretion of the licensee for whatever reason he or she decides and the licensee is under no obligation to explain the reason.

For more information please visit www.challenge25.org