CAP highlights role of local shops in preventing underage sales

Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) has reported significant reductions in children’s drinking and anti-social behaviour in areas where its local partnership schemes operate.

CAP partnerships are made up of retailers, local authorities, police, schools, neighbourhood groups and health providers, who work together to make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of young people and improve the communities where they live. There are currently over 250 schemes across England, Scotland and Wales.

The report also notes the important role that retailers play in protecting their communities and tackling underage sales by implementing the Challenge25 policy.

Key findings from CAP’s 2021-22 annual report says evaluations over the last six years show CAP areas have achieved 62 percent reduction in weekly drinking for 13-16 year olds.

After CAP training, 98 percent of retailers passed a Challenge25 compliance test – from an average baseline of 50 percent. There has been 42 percent reduction in anti-social behaviour and 68 percent reduction in residents reporting children and young people drinking in public places to be a very big or fairly big problem.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Community Alcohol Partnerships have made a huge difference to residents, young people and retailers in over 250 areas across Britain. The core principles of CAP – to engage local partners, prevent underage access to alcohol, and educate young people – have been proven to be the most effective approach to tackling underage drinking and associated harm.

“ACS is proud to be a CAP supporter both as a funder and board director, and more importantly we are proud of the role many of our members are playing in local CAP partnerships around the country.”

Earlier this year, ACS launched a new campaign to boost awareness of Challenge25 among consumers and support colleagues in local shops selling age restricted products. More information about the campaign is available here.

ACS has developed comprehensive guidance for delivery drivers on how to approach the delivery and refusal of age restricted products like alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and lottery products.