RETAIL OF ALCOHOL STANDARDS GROUP

That this House congratulates the supermarket, off-licence and convenience store members of the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group for their continued commitment to tackling underage sales in the off trade as demonstrated by the introduction of a Challenge 25 policy; believes that by challenging customers that cashiers suspect are under 25 years to prove their age the retail sector will further drive a cultural change amongst young people who will expect to have to prove their age should they wish to buy alcohol from the off trade; agrees that the partnership approach the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group promotes through this policy and other community-based activity is an effective way of tackling issues surrounding the consumption of alcohol; is delighted to see retailers taking such a responsible and proactive stance on underage sales; and encourages the wide usage of this initiative.