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Network Journal 2007 Issue 3 May/June |
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ADM 2007: Underage sales in focus
Fines for retail workers who inadvertently sell alcohol to underage customers came under fire from a number of delegates.
Maureen Bowen (West Midlands Retail Food) said while she agreed that there should be legislation, the system was loaded against the seller. "Checkout operators are pressurised with scanning targets and monitors," she said. "On top of that they have to offer banking services, reward cards, school vouchers, parking tickets, offer to do the packing and check the age of customers!
"An £80 fine for a worker on low pay is a lot of money. This should be shared with the employer."
Amy Douglas (Southern divisional councillor) agreed. "It's difficult to tell the age of a lot of young people these days," she said. "The latest ploy is for trading standards to give false ID to teenagers for test purchases.
"But the company should be liable for fines and maybe anyone who looks underage should be stopped in the aisle rather than wait for them to get to the checkout. Staff do get abuse when they refuse a sale and this puts people off asking for ID." Other speakers included; Marina Sweeney, Sue Thompson, Anna Cockle, Steve Ratcliffe, and Janet Escott.
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