Licensing hearings

Last week the council's licensing panel heard two reviews on shops in
Hadfield that had been found to allow sales of alcohol to underage
customers.

In the cases of one of the premises the issues were that severe the panel
took the decision to revoke the licence whilst with the other premises they
took the decision to require the licence holder to implement the 'challenge
25 proof of age scheme'.

The 'challenge 25 proof of age scheme' requires premises to check for proof
of age for anyone who comes to buy alcohol who appears to be under 25, and
refuse to serve them if they do not have an acceptable form of photo
identification.

The premises also have to keep a record of any sales that are refused under
the scheme.

Now whilst this can't tackle the issue of alcohol been bought for young
people by older adults, this could well be something worth considering for
local premises if any problems come up and I'd welcome any thoughts or
comments on the subject.