What Retailers Need to Know
Most convenience retailers are familiar with the challenge of preventing underage alcohol sales. But one of the biggest risks doesn’t always happen at the till.
What is Proxy Purchasing?
Proxy purchasing is when an adult buys alcohol on behalf of someone under the age of 18. It is a criminal offence in Scotland and can carry serious penalties, including a fine of up to £5,000, up to three months in prison, or both.
For retailers, it can be particularly frustrating. You may refuse a sale to a young person who appears to be underage, only for an adult to enter the store shortly afterwards and attempt to buy the alcohol for them. While these situations can be difficult, remaining alert and following your store’s age verification procedures helps protect your business, your licence and your local community.
Staying vigilant
Proxy purchasing often follows a refused sale, but there are other warning signs to look out for. Customers may be seen speaking with young people outside the store before making a purchase, or a young person may select alcohol before handing it to an adult waiting nearby.
Challenge 25
If you have reasonable grounds to believe alcohol is being bought for someone under 18, you should refuse the sale. Make sure all members of your team understand your Challenge 25 policy, know how to recognise suspicious situations and feel confident refusing sales when necessary.
By taking a consistent approach, retailers can help reduce underage drinking and the antisocial behaviour and harm that can result from it.
Further information from the Scottish Grocers Federation
To help raise awareness of proxy purchasing, the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF), together with the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP), has relaunched its award-winning ‘It’ll Cost You’ campaign.
Running until 10th August, the campaign aims to remind the public that buying alcohol for someone under 18 is a criminal offence and encourages everyone to play their part in protecting young people.
Retailers can access campaign materials, posters and further guidance to display in-store or share on social media by visiting www.itwillcostyou.com.
Keeping your team informed and your procedures up to date is one of the most effective ways to deter proxy purchasing and demonstrate your commitment to responsible retailing.
