Archive News Item

Representatives from 18 licensed premises in Brecon have received free training as part of an initiative to tackle underage drinking in the town.

The training was arranged by the Brecon Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) and took place at the Guildhall, Brecon last week (Wednesday 20 June). The representatives received the free training and comprehensive training pack to help them implement an age verification policy.

Brecon CAP is a partnership between several groups including Powys County Council, Brecon Town Council, Dyfed Powys Police, Powys Public Health Team, licensees, local schools and youth support groups and is backed by the Community Alcohol Partnership Ltd.

The aim of the initiative is to reduce young people’s access to alcohol by building on existing work undertaken by the council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Service alongside local police teams. Together, the partners plan to inform and advise young people and the community on sensible drinking limits as well as help tackle alcohol-related problems.

A key aspect of the partnership will be to break down the barriers between licensees and the enforcement agencies and to recognise that by working together with the wider community, everyone can make a difference.

Licensed premises that sell alcohol require an age verification policy to be in place to prevent underage sales and the representatives who attended received the training to implement the Challenge 25 policy. This will enable the licensee and their staff to have the confidence to challenge any individual that look under the age of 25 to produce proof of their age.

Personnel from Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC also took part in the training and share their experiences about the introduction of a Challenge 25 policy, which they have successfully implemented throughout their stores.

If you’re lucky enough to look under the age of 25 you should be prepared to show proof of your age when purchasing age-restricted products. Brecon CAP recommends that the following proof of age are accepted:

- a photo-card driving licence - a valid Passport - a Proof of Age card that carries the PASS logo (available from www.validateuk.co.uk / www.citizencard.com )

For more information regarding BCAP, or to offer your skills, knowledge or suggestions please contact us on 01597 827312 or email community.safety@powys.gov.uk