Punch Taverns is seeking to eliminate underage drinking from its 9,500 strong pub estate by strengthening its policy on ID checks.

The UK’s largest landlord has adopted the British Beer and Pub Association’s (BBPA) Challenge 21 initiative by sending posters and briefing packs to all its pubs.

In addition, team players within the group’s managed house estate, Spirit, have been issued with Challenge 21 badges to wear at all times, acting as a constant reminder to both customers and staff.

Punch’s customer services director Francis Patton said: “The sale of alcohol to under 18s is an issue for the industry as a whole to tackle as young people look increasingly sophisticated for their age. 

“We believe Challenge 21 offers a practical and non-threatening solution to the problem.  With the industry working together it will soon become the norm for those working behind the bar to request proof of age from people who look under 21 and equally for customers to carry a credible form of ID such as a passport, driving licence or PASS accredited card.”

Responsible retailing is at the very heart of Punch Taverns and the pubco was voted Responsible Drinks Retailer 2005 by the Morning Advertiser.  In addition to Challenge 21, the company runs several training courses that have modules focusing on responsible retailing.

These include Punch’s Modern Licensed Retailer (MLR) course, which is compulsory for all new retailers and addresses the issue of social responsibility, plus the award winning Profit Through Quality (PTQ) programme focusing on retail standards and service. 

Based in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, Punch Taverns is the UK’s largest operator of leased, tenanted and managed pubs.

For further information please contact Jo Mathers or Nick Trueman at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780.

Note to Editors:
PASS is a national guarantee scheme for proof of age cards in the UK and was launched to help stamp out the problem of fake ID.  All cards bearing the distinctive PASS hologram logo must carry the holder’s date of birth, full name, a passport standard photograph and their signature.

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