News - Article

Underage Sales Survey Reveals Major Threat to Retailers

An extensive survey carried out by the UK's leading provider of training for the licensed retail sector, CPL, has revealed that almost 53% of participants have endured verbal abuse, threats of violence or have been physically attacked when refusing to sell alcohol to an underage customer.

Over 1,000 people took part in the nationwide survey, all of whom are employed within the licensed trade and have undertaken the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders qualification through CPL. These shocking findings demonstrate the ongoing and widespread threat faced by licensed retailers as a result of youths attempting to purchase alcohol.

The survey also asked whether individuals have received training in how to refuse alcohol to underage customers - where 87% answered yes, the figures above suggest that training and support is proving ineffective and inadequate.

With Government pressure mounting and with new legislation allowing courts to impose potential fines of up to £5,000 and six months in prison to businesses or individuals caught selling alcohol to minors, lack of training and support continues to leave retailers open to attack.

Paul Chase, CPL Chairman commented: "Whilst this survey demonstrates a growth in the number of staff being trained in underage sales prevention, if training doesn't include conflict management, how to identify underage customers and how to refuse sales, then it leaves licensed retailers and their employees in a very vulnerable position."

Thursday 12th July, 2007