Underage Attempts to Purchase Alcohol: Legal Consequences and Penalties

Attempting to purchase alcohol while underage can result in severe legal consequences, impacting not only the individual involved but also the establishment selling the alcohol. This article delves into the penalties that apply when an underage individual tries to buy alcohol, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to age laws.

Illegal Attempt to Purchase Alcohol

The attempt to purchase alcohol by someone under the legal drinking age is indeed illegal and is punishable by law. If caught, the underage individual could face arrest and legal penalties.

Penalties for the Underage Individual

The underage individual attempting to purchase alcohol can face significant legal consequences, including fines and possible arrest. In countries like the United Kingdom, the legal framework is particularly stringent.

Legal Framework in the United Kingdom

According to UK law, it is an offense for any individual under 18 to buy or attempt to buy alcohol. This offense can result in a fine or even a criminal record. In addition, the individual can face other penalties such as a formal police warning.

Under Sections 1 and 7 of the Control ofeworldwide Ban on Sale and Supply of Alcoholic Drinks to Underage Individuals Act:

An individual aged under 18 commits an offence under subsection 1 if he buys or attempts to buy alcohol. Under subsection 7, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, which is currently #163;1000. More severe penalties apply to persistent offenders.

Penalties for the Retail Establishment

The establishment selling alcohol to an underage individual also faces significant consequences. The retail license of the establishment can be revoked, and the owner or manager can be fined. This can lead to the closure of the establishment permanently, as demonstrated in the UK:

Two former pubs in a town where I live were closed due to the sale of alcohol to underage individuals. In each case, the licensee and the owner faced fines, and their licenses were canceled for a period that prevented the premises from being used as a pub again. One pub is now a house, while the other is a gymnasium.

Consequences for the Supplier

In many cases, the supplier, rather than the buyer, is prosecuted for selling alcohol to someone underage. This is a more common route in the UK, where the supplier faces penalties that can include a fine or even a criminal record. The supplier may also face revocation of their license or have their business shut down.

According to Sections 1 and 7 of the aforementioned act:

A person commits an offence if he sells alcohol to an individual aged under 18 (Section 1). If convicted, the supplier is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, which can be unlimited. The under-age person is also committing an offense, and if they use counterfeit or stolen proof of age, they commit another arrestable offense.

Typical Types of Penalties

Financial Penalties: Both the buyer and seller can face fines. Reputational Damage: The reputation of the supplier and establishment can be severely damaged. Operational Impact: The establishment may be forced to close permanently or face restrictions. Criminal Record: In severe cases, both the buyer and seller may face criminal records.

Preventing Underage Purchase of Alcohol

To prevent underage individuals from attempting to purchase alcohol, establishments must maintain strict ID verification policies. Additionally, retailers should be aware of local laws and guidelines to avoid any legal repercussions.

Conclusion

Attempting to purchase alcohol while underage is a serious offense with potentially severe legal consequences. Both the individual and the establishment involved face significant penalties. Understanding and adhering to local laws and regulations is crucial to avoiding these pitfalls.