Arena Magazine 2007 Issue 3 Autumn Arena

New law could ignite in-store abuse

New legislation to cut down on teenage smoking will have a direct impact on retail staff who sell tobacco products.

From Monday October 1, 2007 it will be against the law to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. This includes cigarettes, cigars, loose rolling tobacco and rolling papers. This will replace the current law which stipulates it is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 16.

The Government took the decision because all of the available evidence shows that most addicted adult smokers began smoking as teenagers. This law change is to help protect children and young people from becoming addicted and suffering the serious harm that tobacco products can cause.

"We know that when teenagers are refused sales of tobacco and particularly alcohol it can be a potential flashpoint for abuse and sometimes violence," said general secretary John Hannett.

"While we agree that the legal age for buying cigarettes should be raised we have to make sure our members do not bear the brunt of that well-intentioned change.

"We'll be pressing retailers to make sure they have adequate safety measures in place to deal with any potential problems. We'll also be re-issuing our safety advice to members on how they can minimise the risks to themselves and their colleagues.

"It's not easy to guess someone's age these days, so we always urge our members to be cautious and insist on photo-ID. The local authorities and police often conduct 'sting' operations to try and catch out retail staff who may be selling to underage youngsters. Some of our members have had to face the threat of fines, often through no fault of their own. So it's important everyone gets the message."

Retailers will have to display posters by law, stating, 'It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18'.

As is currently the case, failure to comply with the new law from October 1, 2007, could incur a fine of up to £2,500 for the retailer and £50 fines for anyone illegally attempting to buy age-restricted goods.

www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear

What you should do

Training: Insist on training from your employer on company procedure for age-restricted sales and to inform you of all relevant legislation.

Ask: Always ask the customer's age if they appear to be under 21.

Proof: Request proof of age when appropriate. Only accept photo ID - picture driving licences, or passports.

No ID, no sale: Ask your employer to display 'No ID, No Sale' notices (available at www.citizencard.com).

Refusals register: Keep a register which will prove that you do refuse sales when in doubt. Make sure your manager signs the register every day. You can obtain a Refusals Register at www.citizencard.com

Penalties: Point out that you could get fined for making an underage sale. A young person could be fined £50 for attempting to buy age-restricted goods.

Abuse: Know company procedure for dealing with customers who become abusive when refused a sale. Report all incidents of abuse, threats or violence to your line manager and keep a record. This could be used to ban the young person from the store, or as police evidence for an ASBO.

Stay calm: You may have a long queue at your checkout and feel under pressure to rush. Don't let this stop you asking for proof of age.

Be polite but firm: Other adults in the queue will understand your dilemma and appreciate your determination not to break the law.

If in doubt, refuse the sale: Call the manager or ask a colleague for assistance.

www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk

 Printer Friendly Page

 Email to a Friend

© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/arena_journal/27/smoking.html
Last Modified: Tuesday, 25-Sep-2007 00:08:23 EST
Proudly designed and programmed by Social Change Online
Site Credits