There are stiff legal penalties for selling age-restricted products to underage customers.

It can be difficult to judge a person’s age. That’s why most stores operate a Think 25 policy - to be sure their staff stay on the right side of the law. Take our quiz and see how many ages you get right:

 

Difficult, isn’t it? Shopworkers have to make these judgments every day.

Refusing underage sales is one of the most common triggers for abuse, intimidation and violence. But it’s the law, and if they don’t ask to see ID, shopworkers are putting themselves at risk of a hefty fine or even a prison sentence. It’s also an offence for a minor to buy, or try to buy, alcohol – you can be fined £80.

Usdaw is campaigning for a national Proof of Age scheme and a compulsory No ID, No Sale policy to help protect shopworkers. If you work in retail, join Usdaw now and we’ll protect and represent you at work. Or you could pledge to Keep Your Cool and protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse.

Learn more about our Freedom From Fear campaign.