Off-licence Code of Practice

Off-licence code of practice poster Our Get Home Safe team, together with the Belfast District Policing Partnership, have produced a voluntary code of practice for off-licences.

Although we aren’t permitted to carry out test purchasing or prosecutions (this is the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland) we engage with off-licences across Belfast to raise awareness of the dangers of selling alcohol to underage customers.

We've produced an information brochure, the Retailer's Guide to the Off-Licence Code of Practice, which explains the code of practice and gives advice for off-licence staff when implementing it. But it's not only off-licences which have a responsibility to uphold the code of practice.

There are steps we can all take to reduce antisocial behaviour caused by alcohol. These are outlined in our Customers' Guide to the Off-Licence Code of Practice information pack.

Aims of the project

The project reinforces the message that it is illegal to sell alcohol to under 18s.

We're also working to encourage off-licence staff to question customers who they feel are buying unusually large amounts of drink, or who may be buying alcohol for their younger friends.

The project will help to reduce the amount of alcohol being supplied to underage drinkers and cut down on antisocial behaviour and alcohol- fuelled violent crime.

What does the project involve?

Since the launch of the code, council officers have been visiting off-licences throughout Belfast to encourage them to sign up, to provide more information on the project and to train staff.

Off-licences have supported the campaign to clamp down on young people drinking alcohol illegally - around 80 per cent of off-licences in Belfast have already signed up to the code.

The project is further strengthened by the PSNI's test purchasing of alcohol scheme

Partners

We're working with the following agencies to deliver this project:
  • Belfast Community Safety Partnership
  • Police Service of Northern Ireland
  • Federation of Retail Licensed Trade

More information

If you would like more information on the off-licence code of practice, contact our Alcohol Misuse Project Officer on 028 9027 0469 or email gethomesafe@belfastcity.gov.uk