David Lepper MP backs scheme to challenge underage drink sales

David Lepper, Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP, is backing a campaign by the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group to tighten up on underage alcohol sales by supermarkets and other retailers.

David is one of a group of cross - party MPs who backed an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament in support of the Challenge 25 scheme which was also praised by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Home Office at its launch last week.

The EDM says:

• This House congratulates the supermarket, off-license and convenience store members of the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group for their continued commitment to tackling underage sales in the off trade as demonstrated by the introduction of a Challenge 25 policy; believes that by challenging customers that cashiers suspect are under 25 years to prove their age the retail sector will further drive a cultural change amongst young people who will expect to have to prove their age should they wish to buy alcohol from the off trade; agrees that the partnership approach the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group promotes through this policy and other community-based activity is an effective way of tackling issues surrounding the consumption of alcohol; is delighted to see retailers taking such a responsible and pro-active stance on underage sales, and encourages the wide usage of this initiative.

David says:

"In Brighton and Hove there is excellent work being done by the police and the city council's licensing team to educate youngsters about the dangers of alcohol and to crack down on those retailers who aren't always as responsible as they should be when it comes to proof of age checks. It's a partnership which is working.

"But it is always good to see the industry itself taking its responsibilities seriously."