As part of our application to become a Licensed Club Premises, we have to comply with the Challenge 25 Policy. There is now a poster on the side in the library explaining that we are now checking ages if we think a customer buying alcohol is, or could be, under 25. So, what is that?
Challenge 25 is a retail policy used in the UK to help prevent the sale of age-restricted products (like alcohol, tobacco, and certain knives) to underage customers.
How it works:
- Retailers ask anyone who looks under 25 to prove they are over 18 before selling them an age-restricted product.
- This applies even though the legal age is 18 — the buffer of 25 is used to reduce the risk of accidentally selling to someone underage.
Acceptable ID typically includes:
- A valid passport
- A photocard driving licence
- A PASS-accredited proof of age card (e.g., CitizenCard)
Purpose:
- To ensure compliance with the law.
- To protect the business and staff from penalties.
- To promote responsible retailing.
It’s commonly seen in supermarkets, corner shops, pubs, and bars. Signs like “We operate Challenge 25” are often displayed at tills and entrances.