Module 4: Legal Consequences and Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Legal Framework and Penalties
• The Role of Documentation in Compliance
• Preventative Measures
• The Role of RASG in Supporting Compliance
• Consistency is Key

1. Legal Consequences and Penalties for Non-Compliance (Video)
   

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2. 4.1 Introduction
   Challenge 25 is a critical tool for ensuring compliance with age-restriction laws in the UK. Non-compliance can result in severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences for employees and businesses. This module explores the differences in laws and licensing requirements across the UK, the penalties for not complying, the importance of proper documentation, and the role of industry organisations in supporting compliance. 
3. 4.2 Legal Framework and Penalties
   Challenge 25 is grounded in a legal framework that governs the sale of age-restricted products across the UK, helping retailers ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Key legislation includes:1. Licensing Act 2003 (England and Wales): Regulates alcohol sales, requiring retailers to prevent sales to individuals under 18. Challenge 25 is commonly included as a condition of alcohol licences, making age-verification policies a practical necessity.2. Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010: It is a leg...
4. 4.3 The Role of Documentation in Compliance
   Proper documentation is essential for protecting employees and retailers against penalties. It provides evidence that Challenge 25 is being followed and ensures compliance during inspections or audits. Key documentation practices include:1. Incident Logs: Recording sales refusals when customers fail to provide valid ID. Details such as the date, time, and reason for refusal should be noted.2. Staff Training Records: Maintaining up-to-date records of employee training to demonstrate that all...
5. Before moving on, take a quick recap test - Includes Quiz
6. 4.4 Case Studies of Non-Compliance
   Real-world examples illustrate the consequences of failing to adhere to Challenge 25:Case 1: Shopkeeper Fined for Underage SaleIn March 2024, a shopkeeper in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, was fined £400 after admitting to selling alcohol to a 15-year-old during a test purchase operation conducted by Trading Standards. The court also ordered the payment of £2,000 in costs and a £160 victim surcharge.Case 2: Licence RevokedIn June 2022, an off-licence in Wolverhampton had its alcohol licence revoked due t...
7. 4.5 Preventative Measures
   Preventing non-compliance begins with clear, consistent practices that emphasise the importance of Challenge 25. Retailers and employees can adopt the following measures:Comprehensive training: Ensure employees understand age-verification requirements and the importance of proper documentation. Regular Refreshers: Ongoing training sessions reinforce compliance and keep employees updated on changes to laws or procedures.Clear Policies and Procedures: Provide employees with clear guidelines o...
8. 4.6 The Role of RASG in Supporting Compliance
   The Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) plays an essential role in helping retailers meet their obligations under Challenge 25. RASG provides:Training Resources: Modules and materials to educate employees on ID checks, refusals, and handling challenging situations.Documentation Templates: Ready-to-use logs and templates for incident tracking, ensuring businesses can demonstrate compliance during inspections.Audit Preparation: Practical advice on preparing for inspections and audits to reduc...
9. 4.7 Consistency is Key
   The success of Challenge 25 relies on consistent enforcement. Employees must apply the policy universally, asking for ID every time a customer appears under 25. This prevents accusations of bias, ensures compliance with the law, and reinforces the store’s commitment to responsible retailing.
10. 4.8 Activity: Understanding the Consequences of Non-Compliance (allow 10-15 minutes)
    Research an example of a business that faced penalties for failing to comply with age-verification laws. Identify what went wrong and how following Challenge 25, using RASG tools, or maintaining better documentation could have prevented the issue.