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Original poster

To report an off licence?

120 replies

HotChocWine · 06/04/2024 19:37

Long story short, off licence sold vodka to a 17 year old, that my 15 year old drank and we ended up in a and e as he was unresponsive

We have been told where it was bought, I was debating letting Trading Standards know about it

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 06/04/2024 20:25

Greenfluffycardi · 06/04/2024 20:20

I bet half the people of this thread do not have 15 year olds. The same happened to my 15 year old. Afternoon in the park and a friend bought alcohol . She got so drunk and her friend called an ambulance. I was absolutely furious but now at 18 she’s not a drinker. She says she never wants to feel like that ever again. She’s the most sensible and lovely girl. Neither of us drink and we’d always talked to them about drinking. It happens.

I have a 22,19 and 15 year old - they older 2 have had many drunky moments - 15 year old has not but does have the occasional canned cocktail - two now at uni I am glad they learned how to handle being tipsy and also how to help their more sheltered mates when they are drunk!

If my 15 year old got shit drunk at a party I'd hold her responsible unless she was spiked

RollOnSpringDays · 06/04/2024 20:23

Yes I’d report to trading standards.

Greenfluffycardi · 06/04/2024 20:21

WhatsTheUseOfWorrying · 06/04/2024 20:15

You seem to want to hold the shop responsible for your 15 yr old’s willingness to drink vodka. The shop may well have thought the 17 yr old was 18. After that, it’s nothing to do with the shop.

if you don’t look 25 the shop legally have to ask for ID. Not many 17 year olds look 25.

WhatsTheUseOfWorrying · 06/04/2024 20:20

Kimmeridge · 06/04/2024 20:17

Was it your 17 year old? You never said......

I was wondering that. It wasn’t entirely clear from the OP’s posts.

Asprogata · 06/04/2024 20:20

If you have a concern, it is fine to report to your local licensing team. They will be able to establish if the premises is effectively putting Challenge 25 systems in place.

I wouldn’t necessarily take my 17 year old’s word that they were not challenged, though they may not have been. I’d ask the 17 year old for the exact purchase time, method of payment and any receipt on their phone etc so you can add to the report for CCTV, card/till transaction time. You may find their response interesting.

I work closely with our licensing team and hear about this relatively often. Most premises are very compliant though. While a lot of teenagers are looking for their own ways to circumvent the system. Also young adults working in shops doing favours for friends can be a nightmare for premises. No judgement on your parenting.

Greenfluffycardi · 06/04/2024 20:20

I bet half the people of this thread do not have 15 year olds. The same happened to my 15 year old. Afternoon in the park and a friend bought alcohol . She got so drunk and her friend called an ambulance. I was absolutely furious but now at 18 she’s not a drinker. She says she never wants to feel like that ever again. She’s the most sensible and lovely girl. Neither of us drink and we’d always talked to them about drinking. It happens.

DianaTaverner · 06/04/2024 20:19

You don't need proof to report it - trading standards can send a child mystery shopper to do a test purchase.

WhatsTheUseOfWorrying · 06/04/2024 20:19

Were the two involved male or female? (It’s a lot harder for shops and pubs to spot u-18 young women).

BlancheSaysYes · 06/04/2024 20:17

I would report the shop for selling alcohol without ID-ing the customer. I wouldn't place the blame on the 17yo, nor the 15yo for getting so badly drunk. The 15yo will probably never drink vodka again!

Anyotherdude · 06/04/2024 20:17

Does the 17-year-old look like he or she is 25.
If not, then the Off-License staff should have checked, so definitely report them.
Whether or not the 17-year-old looks 25, you should also report them, for supplying your 15-year-old with alcohol and causing injury resulting in a visit to A&E…

Kimmeridge · 06/04/2024 20:17

Was it your 17 year old? You never said......

ghostyslovesheets · 06/04/2024 20:16

Report if you want but your child asked his mate to buy it - so he also bares responsibility

WhatsTheUseOfWorrying · 06/04/2024 20:15

You seem to want to hold the shop responsible for your 15 yr old’s willingness to drink vodka. The shop may well have thought the 17 yr old was 18. After that, it’s nothing to do with the shop.

Aaron95 · 06/04/2024 20:15

I suspect lot of us at that age got hold of booze underage and drank far too much. Probably didn't end up in hospital but it was a learning experience.

There is little point in telling the police. Without absolute proof they will do nothing. Better to have the talk with your kid and hope they learn from the experience.

Motheranddaughter · 06/04/2024 20:15

Focus on. your child

viques · 06/04/2024 20:15

I would report them to your local trading standards, they will do their own tests.

If you know the 17 year old you need to speak to them about how their action endangered your son.

Wooloohooloo · 06/04/2024 20:14

Underage drinking is as old as time. I'd concentrate on teaching your 15 year old to drink responsibly.

Original poster
HotChocWine · 06/04/2024 20:13

Nail123 · 06/04/2024 20:06

Think you need to put your efforts into stopping your 15 year old from underage drinking.

Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
HotChocWine · 06/04/2024 20:12

To clarify
It was not my 17 year old giving it to his sibling

My 15 year old and I have had a robust conversation about alcohol and the appropriate punishment given

OP posts:
fieldsofbutterflies · 06/04/2024 20:11

You'll need proof that the person buying was underage and that the shop didn't check for ID if you want trading standards to investigate.

However, the fact that your 15yo got drunk is largely irrelevant as it's not illegal for them to drink on private property. Of course that doesn't make it any less awful for you, but it's worth thinking about what you hope to achieve by reporting.

TwilightSkies · 06/04/2024 20:10

I wouldn’t bother. Your teen will get hold of alcohol in one way or another. Focus on that.

Original poster
HotChocWine · 06/04/2024 20:09

Justmuddlingalong · 06/04/2024 19:44

I think the shop selling alcohol to an underage customer is a totally separate issue.
The shop, your 17yo and your 15yo are all responsible.
Was the 17yo ID'd, do they have a fake ID, or were they not asked?

Not my 17 year old

OP posts:
Original poster
HotChocWine · 06/04/2024 20:08

IncognitoUsername · 06/04/2024 19:43

You could report them but you would need proof. Did the 17 year old have fake ID or did the shop not check?

Shop did not check

OP posts:
Original poster
HotChocWine · 06/04/2024 20:07

Bushmillsbabe · 06/04/2024 19:43

Yes you should.
They can ask to see the cctv
Does your 17 year old have fake ID? The rule is they are supossed to challenge anyone who looks under 25 for ID

Not my 17 year old

OP posts:
Original poster
HotChocWine · 06/04/2024 20:07

Flamingogirl08 · 06/04/2024 19:42

No I'd teach my 17 year old to not feed vodka to their younger sibling because it won't be long before they can legally buy it anyway.

Not my 17 year old

OP posts: