Nuneaton off-licences that received Warwickshire Trading Standards warnings after they sold alcohol to children are heeding the ‘No ID No Sale’ message.

Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service and Warwickshire Police recently visited five off-licences in the town with volunteer ‘mystery shoppers’ aged under 18. The young volunteers were asked to attempt to purchase alcohol and in all five cases were challenged about their age and no sales were made.

The five shops were targeted because they had previously been caught selling alcohol to child volunteers. On that occasion all five had been issued with a warning and advice; sellers were given a £90 Police fixed penalty notice.

Warwickshire County Councillor Andy Crump, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety said:

“We know that children drinking alcohol is a concern for many of our communities.”

“Not only can it lead to anti-social behaviour, but alcohol can also affect brain development in children and cause them to have more accidents and injuries.”

“I’m pleased that Trading Standards are working in partnership with our local Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams to deal directly with local community issues.”

Sanela Saracevic Hujic Warwickshire Police PCSO for the Nuneaton Town Centre & Central SNT added:

“Police Safer Neighbourhood Team PCSOs and Trading Standards recently took part in an alcohol test purchase operation in Nuneaton.”

“It was good news that we didn’t get any sales and that Nuneaton retailers are heeding the ‘Challenge 25’ and ‘No ID No Sale’ messages.”

“We will continue to work in partnership with Trading Standards to protect children.”

Retailers requiring advice and guidance on age restricted sale products are encouraged to contact Warwickshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, tel: 03454 040506 or visit: www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/underage-sales

Residents can also report the illegal sale of alcohol and other age restricted products on 03454 040506.