Course tackles under-age drink sales

OFF-LICENCE owners and licensees have been learning about the consequences of selling alcohol to underage drinkers.

The Responsible Alcohol Retailing training course aims to raise awareness of the legislation concerning underage sales and serving people who are drunk.

Following an exam each of the 14 participants was awarded a British Institute of Inn Keeping Level 1 qualification in responsible alcohol retailing.

This was the eighth course run in Oldham, initially aimed at pub and club staff and now open to off-licence staff for the first time.

The courses have been funded by the Home Office and South African Brewery SAB Miller.

Sgt John Murdoch, Oldham Division’s Violent Crime Project Co-ordinator, said: “We have had great feedback from people who have been on the course previously and it has made them more aware of all their responsibilities when serving alcohol.

“Anti-social behaviour is one of the main issues Oldham residents tell us about.

“These problems are sometimes caused by alcohol so it makes sense to educate our licensees and their staff about the consequences of selling to underage teenagers.

“By working together with local businesses to tackle our community’s priority issues we can make Oldham a safer and more pleasant place to live and work.”

Clare Jackson, from course organisers CLJ Consultants, said: “The programme has given local businesses a helping hand towards the achievement of a national qualification for their staff.

“The course, which is interactive and informative, ensures that staff understand their social responsibilities and the fundamentals of the law.

“It will help them to retail alcohol responsibly and lessen the risk of underage sales in licensed premises.

“This will contribute to raising standards across the borough.”

The course was held at the Revolution Radio studios on Oldham Edge and attended by staff from premises across Oldham including The All In One Shop in Failsworth, The Weaver’s Answer in Shaw and The Corner House in the town centre.

Kane Fullalove, from The Weaver’s Answer, said: “It was educational and I fully enjoyed this course and would recommend it to everyone. “