Challenge 25 Staff Policy for Serving Alcohol
Open Jar Tribute Festival 2024

1. Introduction

The Challenge 25 policy is designed to ensure that alcohol is not sold to anyone under the legal drinking age. As a responsible establishment, it is our duty to strictly adhere to laws and regulations governing the sale of alcohol. This policy requires that any customer who appears to be under the age of 25 must be asked to provide acceptable proof of age before being served alcohol.

2. Purpose

This policy aims to:

  • Ensure compliance with the legal drinking age (18 years in the UK).

  • Prevent underage sales and consumption of alcohol.

  • Protect both the business and employees from legal action and fines related to underage sales.

  • Promote a culture of responsibility and safety.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members who are involved in the sale and service of alcohol, including but not limited to bartenders, servers, cashiers, and supervisors.

4. Staff Responsibilities

All staff are required to:

  • Follow the Challenge 25 policy whenever serving or selling alcohol.

  • Request proof of age from any customer who looks under the age of 25, even if they are confident the customer is over 18.

  • Refuse service if a valid ID is not provided.

  • Ensure that only acceptable forms of identification are accepted.

  • Report any incidents involving suspected underage customers to a supervisor or manager immediately.

5. Acceptable Forms of Identification

The following forms of ID are acceptable as proof of age:

  • A passport.

  • A photo driving licence issued by a country in the European Union.

  • A Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card.

  • An ID card with a holographic mark and/or official endorsement proving the holder is 18 or over.

All IDs must:

  • Be original and not a photocopy.

  • Contain a photograph of the individual.

  • Be in good condition and not expired.

6. Procedure for Challenging Customers

  1. Assess Age: If a customer appears to be under 25, you must ask for ID, regardless of their appearance, dress, or manner.

  2. Ask Politely: Always ask for ID in a polite and respectful manner. Use phrases such as, "Could I please see some ID to confirm your age?"

  3. Verify ID: Check the ID carefully to confirm it is valid, unexpired, and belongs to the individual presenting it. Key checks include:

    • Date of birth indicates they are over 18.

    • The photo matches the person presenting the ID.

    • The document has not been tampered with.

  4. Refusal of Service: If the customer cannot provide a valid ID or the ID appears fraudulent, politely refuse service, stating, "I'm sorry, I cannot serve you alcohol without valid proof of age." Do not engage in arguments or negotiations.

  5. Escalate When Necessary: If a customer becomes argumentative or aggressive, inform a supervisor or manager for further action.

7. Consequences for Non-Compliance

  • Staff Consequences: Failure to comply with the Challenge 25 policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Repeated violations may result in additional legal consequences for the employee and the establishment.

  • Legal Consequences: Serving alcohol to an underage individual is a criminal offense. Both the establishment and the employee may face fines, penalties, or legal action if found in violation.

8. Staff Training

All staff involved in alcohol sales must undergo training on the Challenge 25 policy. This training includes:

  • Legal responsibilities regarding the sale of alcohol.

  • How to properly check and verify identification.

  • How to handle challenging customers or situations involving suspected minors.

Regular refresher training sessions will be conducted to ensure continued compliance with the policy.

9. Record Keeping

In situations where service is refused due to failure to provide ID or suspected underage attempts, a record of the incident must be logged. This log should include:

  • Date and time of the incident.

  • Description of the individual.

  • The reason for refusal.

  • The name of the staff member involved.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or whenever there are changes in alcohol licensing laws, to ensure it remains current and effective.

11. Acknowledgment

All staff members must sign an acknowledgment form to confirm they have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Challenge 25 policy.

** PLEASE NOTE ALL STAFF MUST BE AWARE THAT FREE DRINKING WATER IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL CUSTOMERS UPON REQUEST, PLEASE MAKE YOURSELF FAMILIAR WITH THE FREE WATER POINTS ON SITE SHOULD ANYONE ASK.