Age-verification does not discriminate
The Government has announced that age-verification schemes such as Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 will be exempt from a motion to ban age discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Consultation
The recent "Equality Act 2010: Banning age discrimination in services, public functions and associations" consultation has led to the Government announcing the exemption. It was thought that the banning of such schemes and the subsequent need to create, implement and train staff for a new scheme would cost the industry around £33 million.
Wider social implications
When announcing that it would not ban Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 schemes, the Government gave the following reasons:
- The important wider social implications of Government policy to cut under-age access to alcohol and drugs;
- That age verification schemes have proved to be successful in helping to reduce under-age drinking;
- There is a lack of evidence that such schemes are harmful in terms of age discrimination; and
- That the absence of a specific exemption in this area could leave the issue uncertain, undermining the effectiveness of the policy.
How we can help
Our expert Licensing Solicitors are able to advise you on any aspect of your licensed premises, including the implementation and operation of age-verification schemes. Should you have any questions regarding your current age-verification policy, or if you wish to implement training for such a scheme then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01277 631 811 or complete our free enquiry form below.
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