31st Aug 10
UK retailers call for underage sales rules review
by Adam Richards
Many UK retailers, including giants ASDA and Tesco, are calling on a complete review and overhaul of the rules regarding sales of age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco, as they claim the rules are too complicated and need to be made more transparent. The proponents of the review are asking the UK Government to combine the 18 separate pieces of legislation which now make up the underage purchasing laws into one simple set of rules, and also hope to see a stronger partnership between trade bodies and local regulators.
According to Geoffrey Budd, chairman of the CBI’s Consumer Affairs Panel, one of the leading advocates of the review, said that retailers are keen to do their part in making sure those who are underage are not allowed to purchase products such as alcohol and tobacco. He went on to say that unfortunately, most retailers have not been allowed to be part of the solution as they are perpetually looked at as part of the problem.
There are currently thirteen different categories of products with age restrictions, all of which are covered by different rules and regulations as defined by existing laws. Retailers argue that although staff training has increased due to the more complicated laws, it is impossible for employees to get a fair trial if they are ever prosecuted as a result of not strictly adhering to all the regulations.
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