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Can I employ under 18’s in my pub?

Are there any restrictions under the Licensing Act 2003?

Q:  I am the owner of a pub with a large restaurant attached. We are particularly busy on Fridays and Saturdays and I am therefore recruiting new members of staff. A few of the people I am due to interview are 16 years old. Although I am aware that there aren’t any by-laws in my area restricting the employment of 16 year olds, I was wondering whether there are any restrictions under the Licensing Act 2003.

A:  Under section 153 of the Licensing Act 2003, under 18 year olds are allowed to sell alcohol, as long as each sale has been approved by a responsible person such as a premises licence holder, the designated premises supervisor or any individual over the age of 18 who has been authorised by the premises licence holder or the supervisor. However, no authorisation is required if the alcohol is sold or supplied to your customers if they are consuming a table meal, in a restaurant area. However, if that customer then moves into a bar area a specific authorisation for each sale of alcohol will then be required.

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