Shops' struggle to spot teen boozers an age-old problem

Stopping youngsters from buying drink is not as easy as it sounds – particularly when they become violent after shop staff refuse to serve them, as Joanna Vallely discovers.

ASKING someone their age is one of those questions that can make both parties squirm with embarrassment. But retailers selling age-related products like alcohol and cigarettes have to brave the customer's wrath where any doubt exists that they are over 18.

Unfortunately for them, challenging a customer to prove their age can provoke a spate of abuse, ranging from swearing and verbal abuse to physical violence.

Figures released this week by the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) showed that more than 150 staff were attacked last year after refusing to sell alcohol to underage customers.

The survey of 553 stores found 165 incidents of physical violence against staff and 1269 incidents of verbal abuse.

As one off-licence worker explains: "People can go a bit crazy when you ask them their age.

Sometimes if you challenge them it all kicks off and it's more trouble than it's worth. It would be much simpler if there was a unified ID system."

Calls for such a system are led by the SGF, which believes one universally recognised ID card is the only way to put a quick end to disputes about age.

John Drummond, chief executive of the SGF, says: "We need the Government to vocally support a national proof-of-age card. A culture change is needed for people to carry it as a matter of course and present it without embarrassment. It would avoid any conflict with shop staff."

Currently, most responsible retailers ask anyone whose age is in doubt to show a driving licence, passport or citizen card.

But few people carry a passport and still fewer possess a citizen card, so the request can lead to arguments, particularly if the customer has already had a few drinks.

Mr Drummond believes the Young Scot entitlement card would work but needs greater promotion by the Government.

"We want a single unequivocal proof-of-age card. We are nearly there with the Young Scot card and could easily use that but we'd need to increase penetration which requires the Government to say it supports its use by youngsters and getting behind it with a national campaign."

Shop workers' union Usdaw began its Freedom from Fear campaign in 2002 to raise awareness of dangers faced by retail staff.

Lawrence Wason, Scottish divisional officer of Usdaw, says that unfortunately some people who work in retail, particularly if they get verbal abuse, look on it as part of the job.

"But people should be able to go to work without fear of abuse," he argues. "Our union is in favour of a standard ID system as it can be very difficult to ascertain someone's age."

SGF member stores operate a "Challenge 21" policy, whereby if someone looks under 21 they are asked for ID.

Dummond says: "That's really being highly responsible and it is frustrating to learn they are receiving abuse and dealing with violence as a consequence of trying to uphold the law."

Dennis Williams, who has run the Broadway convenience store in Oxgangs Broadway for 25 years, says his shop has built up a strict reputation as one that will not sell to minors. However, he is adamant that a nationally recognised proof-of-age card is needed as a citizenship card is rarely presented. "I think young people haven't got it and not everyone carries a passport," he says.

Shops face huge pressure not to sell cigarettes or alcohol to under-18s, yet some do not feel adequately supported when they run into difficulties.

One off-licence worker says: "If you fail two or three test purchases in three months you can lose your licence and face a massive fine. Gangs of youths were recently hanging around outside my shop, harassing people to buy alcohol for them and it took the police over an hour to arrive. They seem to have the resources to catch people out but not to carry out their duties."

Mr Drummond says greater attention should be focussed on prosecuting those trying to buy alcohol illegally – in particular adults buying for children.

"This proxy purchasing is something retailers find very hard to deal with. There were 86 prosecutions in the whole of Scotland for proxy purchasing in 2005/6. Let's get tough on that.

"If retailers break the law we ought to be penalised but we would probably break the law by accident whereas proxy purchasers set out to break the law."

Ijaz Nazir, owner of Jaz Licensed Grocer at Niddrie Marischal Gardens, has been sworn at when he has asked for proof of age. He says: "They insist they're 20 but I ask for ID anyway and then they start swearing. We are a local shop so I know 99 per cent of the kids who come in and they won't ask me because they know that.

"Sometimes people produce false IDs, like college cards. I tell them to show it to the camera and I'll record it and that we always show the recording to the police. Then they always change their minds."

Lothian and Borders was recently found to be the worst for illegal sales to under-18s, after a crackdown found one in three of all off-licences targeted selling alcohol to under-age customers.

While the authorities must penalise those who sell to youngsters, they must also ensure retailers feel confident they have back-up to uphold the law.

If bringing in nationally recognised proof-of-age cards achieves retailer confidence, then it should be given due consideration – so shop workers get the respectful treatment they deserve.