Where alcohol is sold
Alcohol is available from a wide range of outlets across the UK. Traditional off-licences still exist, but most people now buy their drinks from supermarkets, corner shops, petrol stations and convenience stores. Pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs also sell alcohol for consumption on their premises.
Any business selling alcohol needs a licence. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, local councils handle licensing. In Scotland, licensing boards are responsible. These rules apply whether the alcohol is drunk on the premises or taken away, and they set out when alcohol can be sold and what procedures staff must follow.
Most shops selling alcohol will display notices about age restrictions. Staff should receive training on how to check ID and refuse sales where necessary, though standards vary between businesses.
Age restrictions on buying alcohol
In England and Wales, you must be 18 or over to buy alcohol. The same rule applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This covers all types of alcoholic drinks, from beer and cider to wine and spirits.
It is also an offence for an adult to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18. Shop staff may refuse a sale if they suspect the alcohol is intended for a minor, even if the person paying is clearly an adult.
Many retailers operate a Challenge 25 policy. This means staff will ask for ID if a customer looks under 25, even though the legal age is 18. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- A passport
- A UK driving licence with a photo
- A PASS card or other approved proof of age scheme card
Retailers can refuse to sell alcohol if they have any doubts about the ID provided, and some shops take a stricter approach than others. They are within their rights to refuse any sale without giving a reason.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Drinking alcohol at home
The rules around alcohol and young people at home differ from those in shops and pubs. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is no law preventing a child aged five or over from drinking alcohol in a private home, provided a parent or guardian gives permission. Scotland has its own health guidance on introducing alcohol to children.
People sometimes misunderstand what this exception means in practice. While parents can legally allow their children to drink at home, the NHS recommends that an alcohol free childhood is the healthiest option. Attitudes towards children and alcohol also vary across different communities and regions of the UK, which can shape how families approach this question.
Parents should be aware that even supervised drinking at a young age can affect a child's development. For guidance on talking to children about alcohol, the NHS website and Drinkaware offer useful resources.
Penalties for breaking the law
Selling alcohol to someone under 18 is a criminal offence. Staff members who make an illegal sale can receive a fixed penalty notice or be taken to court. Businesses may face fines, and repeated offences can result in the loss of a premises licence.
Under 18s who attempt to buy alcohol, or who ask an adult to buy it for them, can also face consequences. Police have powers to confiscate alcohol from minors in public places.
Adults who buy alcohol for someone under 18 can be fined up to £5,000. Penalty amounts are reviewed periodically, so it is worth checking current figures on GOV.UK or contacting your local council's licensing team for the most accurate information.
If you have concerns about underage sales in your area, you can report them to your local council or trading standards office. They have powers to investigate and take action against businesses that break the rules.
I have tried numerous times to prevent shops from selling her alcohol when she is intoxicated,
But all but one continue to serve her even though I have cited her ill health and mental health issues
With them were 3 boys ( brothers ) age 13, 14 and 8
ID was requested
My daughter showed ID
The shop assistance said she needed ID from everyone in the group
They did not have ID
Her reasoning was that she could have been buying the alcohol fro those in the group
I intervened and asked the question
So are you saying that if I go to buy alcohol in a shop with my children then you will not sell it to me unless they can all produce ID
This is surely not correct
The shop keeper said that this would not be an issue for me because I look my age ( 52)
I don’t understand why it is not an issue for me and why it is an issue for and adult who looks young and has proved her age
For instance, I once jokingly asked an elderly and jovial man for his ID, and he just smirked at me, and I passed the transaction across. A customer behind him, reprimanded me saying that 'once' I ask a customer for his/her Id, it 'HAS' to be produced - without which the sale should not be deemed. Is this true? And could someone please conform this and also other issues that may arise with selling alcohol..
•And while at it, I would like to tell of a related incident.
A young girl once came to buy alcohol when I worked at a forecourt. When I asked for her Id, she told me that she did not have it, but that she was 20 years old. And I then told her that I needed to see her Id to prove that, at which she told me that she could not drive a car if she was under 18.
And my reply to that was: " If you are under 18 and you drive a car, that is the police's problem and not mine. And that she could be 12 and still drive a car". She was stumped. And I refused the sale. I won.
Can a licencee of a pub buy alcohol from a supermarket to sell on over the bar. Is there any legislation in british law againt this? As many are now selling alcohol cheaper than wholesales.
But I had already been in the shop buying food before 4pm and before the doors had locked..
Surely I should be allowed to buy it as was already on the premises before 4pm and before they looked the doors??
And if not..surely they shouldn't of been allowed to serve the food also as your only allowed to be open for 6hrs trading?
If anyone knows or where I can find the information that would be great :)
Tom
Can I stop the local corner shop and co-op from selling her alcohol ?
When sober she would agree to such action even going to the respective stores with me to say it is her wishes.
Where then please is the legislation to be found for the statement in your article:
"A lesser-known fact is that anyone under the age of 18 shouldn’t even enter a dedicated off-licence, unless in the company of a parent or guardian."
and where, please, does the age of 18 come from for off-licences and where is legislation covering a "dedicated off-licence" to be found?
Thank you
Geoffers
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