EVERY off-licence in York has been warned about new laws which come into force tomorrow aimed at tackling sales of alcohol to under-age buyers.
The regulations will set in stone the need for anybody trying to buy alcohol who appears to be under 18 to be asked for and produce identification containing their photograph, date of birth and a holographic mark.
Matt Boxall, City of York Council’s trading standards manager, said: “Many premises in York have been operating effective systems to prevent illegal sales of alcohol to children for a number of years, and the number of illegal sales coming to the attention of trading standards officers has been falling year-on-year.
“The new licensing conditions are welcomed as they should help focus attention on those premises which could do more to prevent illegal sales occurring.”
The trading standards team has produced a pack, including training aids and record sheets for retailers, which is available by phoning 01904 551569, while customers likely to be asked for proof of age are being urged to apply for a PASS card.
The cards include a hologram which is difficult to forge and is intended to save people having to carry around passports or driving licences as proof of age.
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