Barking and Dagenham Council has reported 100% compliance following a New Year’s Eve underage alcohol test-purchasing operation across the borough.
Trading Standards officers visited 23 licensed premises to ensure alcohol was not sold to anyone under 18. All businesses tested passed, highlighting their commitment to following the law and protecting young people.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Preventing the sale of alcohol to under-18s is a vital part of reducing risk and harm in our communities. We’re pleased to see businesses working with us to protect young people and keep celebrations safe. Together, we can make Barking and Dagenham a safer place for everyone.”
The council’s Trading Standards team reminds businesses to continue following best practice, including operating a Challenge 25 policy, displaying clear age-restriction signage, using till prompts to check ages, maintaining up-to-date refusals registers, providing regular staff training, securing alcohol out of reach, and ensuring CCTV systems are fully operational.
If residents in the borough have concerns regarding inapt age-related provision of products in a business in Barking and Dagenham, they should report it to Trading Standards at tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk or contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
