No ID: No sale

GETTING the message . . . shop owner Karji Panchani (left) and Councillor Rod Blyth show off the posters as the rest of the team look on

LICENSEES across Oldham are being invited to sign up for a new scheme to crack down on underage drinking.

“Challenge 25: Responsible Retailer” has been set up by the council’s trading standards and licensing team and police.

The aim is to help licensed retailers be vigilant by encouraging them to ask for valid ID from anyone who looks under 25. Boards displaying the scheme’s message will be put up in participating retailers and staff will receive training to help them become more aware.

Councillor Rod Blyth said: “Underage drinking only serves as a catalyst to anti-social behaviour.

“Therefore, we have focused our efforts into making it as difficult as possible for under-18s to obtain alcohol.”