Challenge 25

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1. Purpose
2. Policy Statement
3. Acceptable Forms of ID
4. Staff Responsibilities
5. Refusal of Service
6. Suspected Fake ID Procedure
   1. Confiscation and Handling of ID
7. Training
8. Management Responsibilities
9. Review

Purpose

The bar has both a moral and legal duty to prevent the sale and supply of alcohol to persons under 18, to ensure compliance with the Licensing Act 2003, and to promote responsible alcohol retailing. As such, the bar operates a Challenge 25 scheme as detailed in this policy.

This policy supports the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.

Policy Statement

The bar will operate a strict Challenge 25 policy. This means:

• Anyone who appears to be under 25 must be asked for valid photographic ID before alcohol is sold or supplied.
• Alcohol will only be sold or supplied where valid ID has been produced when requested.

Acceptable Forms of ID

Only the following are accepted as proof of age:

• Valid passport.
• UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional).
• PASS-accredited proof of age card displaying the PASS hologram (eg CitizenCard).

We do not accept:

• Photocopies or screenshots of ID.
• Student cards (unless PASS accredited).
• Expired ID.
• Damaged or altered ID.

Staff Responsibilities

All staff involved in alcohol sales must:

• Be trained in Challenge 25 procedures before serving alcohol.
• Challenge anyone who appears under 25, without exception.
• Refuse service calmly, consistently and without further negotiation once a decision has been made.
• Record refusals in the Incident Log immediately.

Staff must not:

• Serve alcohol to anyone suspected of being underage without valid ID.
• Rely on personal judgement alone if ID is questionable.
• Allow peer pressure or customer pressure to influence decisions.

Refusal of Service

Service must be refused where:

• No ID is provided on request.
• ID is suspected to be fake or altered.
• The customer is clearly under 18.
• The customer is intoxicated (separate policy applies).

All refusals must be recorded in the Incident Log, including:

• Date and time.
• Description of individual.
• Reason for refusal.
• Staff member(s) involved.

Suspected Fake ID Procedure

If ID is suspected to be fake or does not belong to the presenter:

• Politely refuse sale/service.
• Do not escalate or accuse the customer of criminal behaviour.
• Inform the Duty Manager.
• If necessary or if the situation escalates, contact police.

Staff must not place themselves at risk. If there is any threat or aggression, ID should not be pursued and service should be calmly but firmly refused.

Confiscation and Handling of ID

Staff do not have a general power to seize ID, even if it is believed to be fake. ID may only be retained if it is voluntarily surrendered.

Any retained ID must:

• Be recorded in the Incident Log.
• Be stored securely.
• Be handed to the Duty Manager and/or police as soon as practicable.
• Not be retained longer than necessary.

Training

All staff involved in alcohol service will receive:

• Challenge 25 training before serving
• Refresher training at least annually
• Guidance on spotting fake or altered ID

Management Responsibilities

Management will ensure:

• This policy is enforced consistently.
• Staff are trained and supported.
• The Incident Log is reviewed regularly.
• Any incidents involving suspected fake ID are escalated appropriately.
• Compliance with licensing objectives is maintained.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following:

• Changes in legislation.
• Licensing authority recommendations.
• Any serious incident involving underage sales or attempted sales.