Staff education on underage alcohol sales

2:58pm Thursday 12th July 2007

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PEOPLE selling alcohol to underage customers could be sent on a course rather than being fined under an initiative being introduced in Somerset.

Dozens of staff in pubs, clubs, off-licences and shops are being taught to be more responsible as part of a campaign to call time on problem boozing.

More than 60 are going on the British Institute of Innkeepers responsible alcohol retailing course this month under the Somerset Tackling Alcohol Related Crime initiative.

It is aimed at frontline staff in clubs, bars, off-licences, shops and supermarkets rather than licensees.

Anyone caught selling alcohol to underage customers could be offered the choice of attending a course rather than facing a fine - at the discretion of the police and Trading Standards.

The scheme follows persistent problems with underage alcohol sales in Somerset.

The course ensures candidates understand the law on under age sales and serving people who are drunk.

More than 30 staff took part in a course at Bridgwater College last week, with a similar number due to undergo training later this month.

Cllr Jim Mochnacz, Somerset County Council Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: "Irresponsible alcohol consumption is at the root of much anti-social behaviour, crime and fear of crime.

"It also has serious health implications.

"Giving frontline staff the necessary training can help cut the supply of alcohol to underage drinkers, discourage bad habits and hopefully foster a responsible attitude towards alcohol."

STARC chairman Superintendent Gary Davies said: "It's really important that retailers of alcohol understand their responsibilities.

"When youngsters obtain alcohol the consequences are sometimes dire.

"Rather than just prosecute offenders, we believe that we must also do everything we can to educate retailers to help us fight the problem of alcohol related crime."