Published: 22 August 2017
Q: I run a family pub in a busy town centre. As such we have had several families coming in for a meal and asking to buy alcohol for their children. This has caused a couple of issues between my staff and disgruntled parents as to whether the children are permitted to drink alcohol with their meal. The training I have given the staff is a blanket refusal on anybody drinking alcohol who is under 18. Is this the correct approach?
A: The Licensing Act 2003 states that a 16 or 17 year old may consume beer, wine or cider with a table meal as long as the alcohol is purchased by someone over the age of 18. This causes lots of anxiety among many operators who are wary of breaking the law in relation to underage sales. As long as the alcohol is purchased by an adult, the operator is acting within the law however, it can be difficult to monitor and manage. Your policy on whether to allow consumption in such circumstances is within your discretion as a licensee.
A: The Licensing Act 2003 states that a 16 or 17 year old may consume beer, wine or cider with a table meal as long as the alcohol is purchased by someone over the age of 18. This causes lots of anxiety among many operators who are wary of breaking the law in relation to underage sales. As long as the alcohol is purchased by an adult, the operator is acting within the law however, it can be difficult to monitor and manage. Your policy on whether to allow consumption in such circumstances is within your discretion as a licensee.
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