A new award in Preventing Under Age Sales in Scotland has been launched by the aptly-named social enterprise Under Age Sales.
The new award incorporates the SVQ Level 2 Unit 52 for following point of sale procedures for age restricted products. It brings a flexible learning approach that:
- Helps retailers to gain the skills and understanding to follow point-of-sale procedures for age restricted products in a retail environment
- Is conducted in store or by distance learning, meaning staff do not need to be released to training courses
- Is written for Scotland, applying the specific requirements of Scottish law
The qualification was officially unveiled on 15 February at the SGF’s Retail Crime seminar. Provided through Pearson Edexcel, it covers all age restricted sales laws from alcohol and tobacco, to fireworks and knives. Incorporating a workbook, multiple choice test and observation of performance, the qualification is aimed at reinforcing retailers as the front line in protecting minors from age restricted products, advising them on the reasonable precautions required to avoid the sale of these items to children and young people. Those that don’t, run the risk of a significant fine.
Assessments will be both knowledge- and performance-based. Topics covered will include age restrictions and authorisations; company policies and procedures; and how to challenge and refuse sale. The qualification also provides an overview of the different forms of identification available in Scotland. Content will also address taking cash and card payments, identifying counterfeit payments and dealing with suspected fraud.
Tony Allen, managing director of Under Age Sales, commented: “The training not only acts as a means of upskilling retailers who wish to make the Scottish retail industry a safe but thriving sector, but will also help to protect them from the risk of being fined, should they or a member of their staff, ever inadvertently sell alcohol or tobacco to under age customers. For a small, independent business, this is significant.
“We’re keen to hear from Scottish retailers who wish to actively undertake this training, and hope it comes as a welcome introduction to the retail industry as a whole.”
Retailers who want advice and guidance on the law around age restricted products, and who wish to learn more about the new training, should visit www.underagesales.co.uk.
