Responsible Alcohol Retailing

What is 'Challenge 25'?

• AA type of alcohol
• BA policy of checking ID for anyone who looks under 25 when buying alcohol✓
• CAn age limit for drinking
• DA shop promotion

Answer: Challenge 25 is a responsible retailing policy where staff request ID from anyone who appears to be under 25 years old when purchasing alcohol, regardless of how old they actually look.

What documents count as valid proof of age for alcohol purchase?

• AStudent ID only
• BPassport, driving licence with photo, or PASS ID card✓
• CAny ID with a photo
• DJust a verbal statement

Answer: Valid proof of age includes a current UK/EU passport, UK photocard driving licence, or a PASS-accredited photo ID card. The ID must show the holder's date of birth and photograph.

What is the legal age to buy alcohol in the UK?

• A16 years old
• B17 years old
• C18 years old✓
• D21 years old

Answer: The legal minimum age to purchase alcohol in the UK is 18 years old. Anyone under 18 is prohibited from buying or consuming alcohol in licensed premises.

What should you do if a customer appears intoxicated?

• AServe them anyway
• BRefuse to serve them✓
• CServe them a smaller amount
• DOnly tell the manager

Answer: You must refuse to serve anyone who appears to be intoxicated. Continuing to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person is illegal and can result in licensing action against the premises.

What is a 'proxy sale' in alcohol retailing?

• AA sale through an agent
• BWhen someone buys alcohol for someone under 18 (or someone who is intoxicated)✓
• CA discount sale
• DAn online purchase

Answer: A proxy sale is when someone (often an adult) buys alcohol on behalf of a person who is under 18 or intoxicated. This is illegal and the person requesting the proxy sale commits an offence.

What are the signs of intoxication?

• ASlurred speech only
• BUnsteady balance only
• CCombination of slurred speech, unsteady balance, flushed appearance, aggression, and poor judgment✓
• DNo specific signs

Answer: Signs of intoxication include slurred speech, unsteady balance, flushed appearance, aggressive behaviour, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. You should look for a combination of these signs.

Can you serve alcohol to a pregnant woman?

• ANo, never
• BYes, there is no law against it✓
• CYes, but you should advise her of health risks
• DOnly beer, not spirits

Answer: There is no law preventing the sale of alcohol to pregnant women, but it's good practice to advise customers of the health risks to the foetus. Many premises have policies against serving pregnant customers.

What is 'duty of care' in alcohol retailing?

• AA responsibility to inform customers of the price
• BA legal and moral responsibility to protect customers and the public from harm caused by alcohol✓
• CA responsibility to maximize sales
• DA responsibility to the owner only

Answer: Duty of care in alcohol retailing means you have a legal and moral obligation to take reasonable steps to protect the welfare of customers and the public, including refusing service when appropriate.

What should you do if you suspect someone is attempting a proxy purchase?

• AServe them anyway
• BAsk questions to establish who the alcohol is for✓
• CRefuse the sale
• DSell to the youngest person in the group

Answer: You should ask questions to establish who the alcohol is actually for. If you believe it's a proxy purchase (buying for someone under 18), you must refuse the sale entirely.

What is the penalty for an adult buying alcohol for a child?

• AA small fine of £20
• BUp to 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £1,000✓
• CJust a warning
• DNo penalty

Answer: Adults who supply alcohol to children under 18 can face up to 3 months imprisonment and/or fines up to £1,000. The penalties are serious to deter this illegal and harmful activity.

What should you document if you refuse service to someone?

• ANothing
• BThe time, date, reason, and staff member involved✓
• COnly if a manager requests it
• DJust a verbal note to the manager

Answer: It's good practice to document refusals, including the time, date, and reason. This creates a record that protects the premises and staff in case of complaint or legal action.

Can you serve alcohol to someone with an expired ID?

• AYes, if you recognize them
• BYes, if the photo still looks like them
• CNo, only valid, non-expired ID is acceptable✓
• DOnly if they're over 25

Answer: No, the ID must be current and valid. An expired ID is not acceptable proof of age, even if the photo is still clear and matches the person.