Test Purchasing, Cigarettes and Vending Machines

October 2006

We continue to issue reminders to our clients about the need to be vigilant on the issue of under age sales in respect of alcohol. There is a likelihood that test purchasing will increase in the run up to Christmas, and we are dealing with reviews of licenses arising out of failed test purchases.

What we had not anticipated – and of what we have recently become aware - is an apparent focus on tobacco sales, with under age persons being used to seek to purchase cigarettes from vending machines in licensed premises. We know of a company recently targeted twice in different parts of the country.

It follows that staff should be reminded to be vigilant about the possibility of under age purchases from such machines, and the machines (and premises) should be appropriately signed against such sales. Most importantly, the cigarette vending machines should be located in a position where they are capable of staff supervision. In some cases, although this is not widespread, premises licences contain a condition to this effect, so a failed test purchase at a vending machine may signify a breach of the premises licence as well.

You will need to put in place policies to supervise vending machines and make sure that these policies are adhered to.

Back | Next