Underage sales
It is against the law to sell certain age-restricted products to anyone under the age of 18.
Examples of age-restricted products and services include:
- tobacco products, such as cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco
- vapes
- alcohol
- knives and other offensive weapons
- fireworks
- lottery tickets
- products containing corrosive substances, such as bleach
- sunbeds and tanning services.
Acceptable forms of identification
Some acceptable forms of identification include:
- a valid passport
- a driving licence or provisional driving licence
- PASS Scheme proof of age card
The ID must include a photo of the person. It must also be a physical copy. A photo of an ID on a phone is not an acceptable form of identification.
If a business does not verify someone’s age by checking a recognised form of ID, this may be considered an offence and can result in a penalty for the business.
Refusals and staff training
We recommend that businesses keep a refusals book to record sales that have been refused because a customer could not provide physical ID.
Staff should be trained to ask for ID from anyone who looks under 21. If a customer cannot provide acceptable ID, staff should refuse the sale and record it in the refusals book.
Proxy sales
It is a criminal offence for an adult over the age of 18 to knowingly buy age-restricted products on behalf of a minor. This is known as a proxy sale.
A business has the right to refuse a sale to a minor trying to buy age-restricted goods. A business also has the right to refuse a sale to an adult if staff believe the adult is trying to buy age-restricted goods on behalf of a minor.
Anyone caught buying by proxy can face a fine of up to £80 and prosecution, which can result in a penalty of up to £5,000 depending on the severity of the case.
Report suspected underage sales
Use the report a business form if you believe a business is selling age-restricted products to underage residents.