New scheme tackling under-age drinking launched

Retailers have launched a new initiative aimed at preventing under 18s being bought or buying alcohol.

Challenge 25 will require everyone over 18 but under the age of 25 to carry photo ID if they wish to purchase alcohol.

The scheme will aim to crackdown on youths buying drink for themselves and young adults buying it on their behalf.

Nick Grant, chairman of Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG), said: “Retailers have done much to reduce levels of underage purchase but we’ve never been complacent.

“Feedback from frontline staff suggests they want the freedom to challenge more widely to ensure young people are not breaking the law,” he added.

Home minister Alan Campbell praised the previous Challenge 21 scheme as an effective tool in combating underage drinking and said he hoped all retailers would adopt the new guidelines.

The Association Chief of Police Officers (ACPO) also said it welcomed the new initiative, suggesting it was a step in the right direction in promoting safe and sensible alcohol consumption.