| Morning, Noon and Night — which was founded in the city — will not sell these products to anyone who doesn’t look 25 and can’t provide proof that they are of the legal age required to purchase these products.
Owners Scotmid said that, from Monday, all its stores will be operating a Think 25 policy targeted at young people buying age-restricted products.
The initiative means staff must now ask for ID from anyone buying alcohol or tobacco who doesn’t look over 25.
The move follows a three-month pilot in 25 stores throughout Scotland which tested the new policy amongst staff and customers.
Think 25 will now operate in the Dundee branches on Clepington Road and Blackness Road, as well as the Invergowrie, Carnoustie, Coupar Angus, Newport and Tayport stores. An outlet in Cairneyhill, near Dunfermline, and a store in Perth are also involved.
Ian Lovie, Scotmid compliance officer, said the move came at a time of public and government concern over binge-drinking and smoking amongst young people.
“It’s very difficult to guess someone’s age, but if our staff make a mistake they can be personally prosecuted and fined,” he said. “By introducing a Think 25 policy we are reducing the margin for error.
“We are supporting our staff with clear signage and leaflets and we would ask our customers to also assist by carrying ID if buying age-restricted products. Test purchasing is carried out on age-restricted products by the police and trading standards using 16-year-olds.”
All Scotmid stores are also tested once a month by an independent company and the consequences of failing the police tests are serious.
“There is always a possibility staff will be charged and prosecuted, ending up with a criminal record and even a fine of £1000,” Mr Lovie added. “The store could also lose its licence to sell alcohol.”
The selling of knives and lottery tickets will also be regulated by the policy. |
