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Original poster

Can a 17yo serve alcohol?

10 replies

curlywhirled · 20/04/2023 22:18

My 17yo DD has found herself a part-time job in a pub... working behind the bar.

She says she's allowed to serve as long as there is an over 18 there too?

It doesn't sound right to me though. I thought that was only legal if it was for every transaction like in the supermarket.

Is this actually legal?

OP posts:

Eggseggseverywhere · 20/04/2023 22:19

AFAIK she can serve supervised by an over 18..
Makes the job a pita for the rest of the staff though. Doing their own job and supervising also.

RoseBucket · 20/04/2023 22:20

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/alcohol-and-the-law/the-law-on-alcohol-and-under-18s

Googled it for you.

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/alcohol-and-the-law/the-law-on-alcohol-and-under-18s

Original poster

curlywhirled · 20/04/2023 22:34

Thanks Rose but that doesn't cover the law on serving.

I've googled already but it doesn't seem clear.

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Original poster

curlywhirled · 20/04/2023 22:36

What level of supervision is what I'm after I think.

If it's every transaction then that is not what DD was doing on the trial shift. She was serving it and doing the till, the over 18 was just doing the same, not 'supervising'.

OP posts:

Ashy987654 · 20/04/2023 22:37

curlywhirled · 20/04/2023 22:34

Thanks Rose but that doesn't cover the law on serving.

I've googled already but it doesn't seem clear.

It's in the link:
"16- and 17-year-olds who work in a licensed bar, restaurant or shop can serve alcohol, as long as the licence holder or bar manager has approved the sale and it’s in line with any other restrictions set out in the license.4"

titchy · 20/04/2023 22:37

16- and 17-year-olds who work in a licensed bar, restaurant or shop can serve alcohol, as long as the licence holder or bar manager has approved the sale and it’s in line with any other restrictions set out in the license.4

Roses link seems quite straightforward...

multivac · 20/04/2023 22:40

It means that every single sale has to be authorised by a designated adult. No licensee of a reasonably busy bar would consider this, as it's simply impractical - and if reported, could result in the loss of the licence.

gogohmm · 20/04/2023 22:41

From the .gov website

Working in a restaurant or bar under 18
You can serve alcohol in a restaurant if you’re 16 or 17 as long as the licence holder or bar manager has approved the sale.

Maverickess · 20/04/2023 22:46

In practice, supervision means if your DD makes the wrong call and the sale isn't stopped by the person supervising, then they're in trouble, along with the licencee, as if they'd sold it themselves.

I have trained people 16/7 and been serving alongside them - as long as I'm on the bar with them and don't leave them to serve alone and intervene if I feel they're making the wrong call, I don't need to physically stand over them, I can serve my own customers while also watching who and what they're serving and essentially 'approving' each sale by allowing it to happen. I have stepped in a couple of times where ID has been needed or with people wanting mixes of alcohol we can't serve, and stopped the sale.

milliemermaid · 20/04/2023 23:12

My d granddaughter has just started p/t waitressing in a pub/restaurant, she can deliver the drinks to the tables, but she is not allowed behind the bar to pour them.

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