UKLicensingLegally Required
Age Verification Policy (Challenge 25)
Policy for verifying age when selling alcohol or age-restricted products.
What this document covers
It's a criminal offence to sell alcohol to anyone under 18. A Challenge 25 policy (or Challenge 21 minimum) is a mandatory condition on most premises licences. Staff must ask for ID from anyone who looks under 25 and record all refusals.
Key sections included
- Challenge 25 policy
- Acceptable ID
- Refusal procedure
- Refusal log
- Staff training
- Proxy sales
- Test purchase preparation
Frequently asked questions
Why Challenge 25 not Challenge 21?
Challenge 25 provides a wider safety margin. Most licensing authorities now expect Challenge 25 as the minimum standard, and it's often a specific licence condition.
Document details
- Legal basis
- Licensing Act 2003, Section 146
- Enforced by
- Local Authority Licensing / Police
- Penalty for absence
- Fine of up to £20,000, or 6 months imprisonment for selling to under-18s. Licence review and potential revocation.
- Category
- Licensing & Permits
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