Underage drinking. What is the Law?

Police and Trading Standards officers are permitted to send children into licensed premises to attempt to buy alcohol so you need to be aware of the following offences:

• It is an offence if you allow children less than 16 years of age on to your premises when alcohol is being sold, and they are not accompanied by a person of over 18 years old
   
• It is an offence to sell alcohol to children under the age of 18

• It is an offence for a child under 18 to consume alcohol on your premises unless they are over 16, accompanied by a person over 18, and beer, wine or cider has been purchased with a table meal on licensed premises.

Each offence can attract maximum penalties of up to £5,000 the authorities have the option of closing down your premises for a period of time or there may be a prosecution.

We can offer advice on action taken by the local authority. If an offence occurs then you may be interviewed by the police in which case you will need legal representation. Our specialist Regulatory and Compliance solicitors provide this service.