‘CHALLENGE 21’ HITS GLOUCESTERSHIRE
August 15 2005
Drinkers who look under the age of 21 will be asked to prove that they are over 18 from September 1 in Gloucestershire.
The six Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships in the county are joining forces with licensees for ‘Challenge 21’.
The scheme is being launched to clamp down on underage drinkers using the county’s pubs and clubs. It will also be used in off licences and supermarkets – in fact anywhere where alcohol can be purchased.
The scheme will be officially launched in Kings Walk, Gloucester, on September 1 2005 and will add to the work licensing officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary and Gloucestershire Trading Standards officers are doing to vigorously enforce the underage drinking laws.
Challenge 21 will become an accepted policy throughout Gloucestershire and will give extra support to door and bar staff and means everyone who attempts to buy alcohol but appears to be under 21 will be asked for ID.
Keith Reynolds, Chairman of Gloucester’s Licensed Victuallers Association, said: “We fully support the idea and in fact some places have already put up their own posters advertising Challenge 21.”
Rob Swain, Chairman of the Cheltenham Nightsafe team agreed. “Every tool we have to support the work of the door and bar staff is helpful,” he said.
“If the same scheme is used across the county then asking for ID will become a common practice and be more acceptable to our clients.”
Paul Smith, Managing Director of Gloucester City Council and Chair of the Gloucestershire Community Safety Partnership added: “Challenge 21 is an excellent example of the six Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s working together and speaking as one voice.
“Many young people travel across the district boundaries for their socialising and having a single campaign right across the county will have more impact.”
Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary, Dr Timothy Brain is also supportive of the campaign. “This initiative follows previous campaigns to address binge drinking,” he said.
“The Constabulary is anxious to stop the sale of alcohol to young people under the age of eighteen and it is often difficult to judge someone’s age."
“Challenge 21 will make the asking of ID common practice. From September 1, police officers will be helping to enforce the campaign so it is advisable for all young people to obtain their ID now.”
Acceptable means of ID are passports; photo driving licenses, Validate UK cards (photo signature cards which cost £7.50) and Connexions Cards which are free to 16-19 year olds.
Clubs and pubs will have Connexions Card readers that have the technology to read the smart chips embedded in the cards to confirm age.
Validate UK cards can be obtained through the district council offices or Gloucestershire Trading Standards, Hillfield House, Denmark Road, Gloucester (01452 426201) and Connexions Cards application forms can be obtained through schools, colleges, work based trainers or from the website at www.connexionscard.com