ANNEX 2 - LICENSING OBJECTIVES
General Licensing Objectives
A computerised point of sale system within the shop is used to record all customer details. The system shall also be programmed so that the sale of alcohol will automatically prompt a proof of age challenge that the sales operative will have to sign in to accept thus fully recording the sale.
For delivery items confirmation will also be gained that the recipient of the alcohol is over 18. A notice shall be displayed stating that it is an offence to buy alcohol for anyone under 18. Staff training will cover two sections one being related to the sale of alcohol and one being related to the delivery of alcohol. Sales staff will receive training in both aspects and delivery staff will receive training only in delivery aspects. A training log shall be maintained of all staff recording that they have been trained and assessed as competent in their aspects of the sale and delivery of alcohol. Refresher training for all staff shall be conducted regularly and recorded in the training log.
Prevention of Crime and Disorder Objectives
Shop opening hours will limit the occasions where by someone who is already under the influence of alcohol may try to purchase more.
All staff will be trained in our "right to refuse" policy and copies will be available for any customers who are refused the sale of alcohol. A record will be maintained of customers refused sale recording, date, sales operative, reason for refusal and any other comments.
A notice explaining the legal implications of attempting to buy alcohol by an under 18 or for an under 18 will be on display, along with notice of our think 21 policy.
Web based sales via our Interflora website also stipulate in the legal implications of purchasing alcohol and the customer has to accept that in purchasing alcohol via the web they understand these. Again delivery of any alcohol will only be left with a recipient who is over 18.
Only a very limited amount of alcohol will be stocked in the customer area, as a display of goods available, with the majority of stock being retained in staff only areas. This will reduce as far as possible any occasions of attempted theft of alcohol. Risk assessments shall be conducted regarding product placements and "empty" bottles will be used if a risk of theft can not be reduced by staff vigilance and appropriate positioning of goods.
Public Safety Objectives
CCTV coverage of the front of the shop premises is covered by the system from the adjacent property, Trevor Towners Jewellers. CCTV will be installed if at any point in the future the adjacent system is removed.
No significant safety issues are perceived relating to our intended sale of alcohol as due to the nature of our business the majority of sales will be made for delivery to a home address along with flowers or other similar gifts.
The building is fitted with a fire detection and alarm system with smoke detectors fitted in sales and staff areas. The customer sales area of the shop is relatively small with the furthest point being less than 5 metres from a double door entrance/exit (approx 1400mm wide) which is usually open at all times and leads out onto a wide side entrance immediately adjacent to the high street. A rear door leads from the staff area into a corridor with a fire exit that leads out into the rear garden of the property which has further egress routes out into the car park adjacent to Woolworth’s and Boots.
The only step in the premises is the threshold of the door. A door bell is positioned at a convenient height for disabled customers with an adjacent sign indicating that the bell is for that purpose. This entrance is under cover providing protection from rain, and staff will assist the customer gaining entry if required. This system has been found to be very effective with our disabled customers.
Prevention of Public Nuisance Objectives
Shop hours will limit occasions of nuisance. The majority of customers are anticipated to be purchasing alcohol for delivery with flowers and a minimum volume of customers are anticipated to purchase for own consumption.
Due to our hours and anticipated requirements we strongly feel we will not cause any public nuisance. Alcoholic products stocked will primarily be champagnes, gift sets of wines or spirits with the occasional addition of fine beers. These products will be marketed as gifts and therefore are very unlikely to be purchased by individuals for their own consumption, or to be consumed anywhere other than at home.
Staff will be vigilant to anyone who displays any inappropriate behaviour and will refuse to serve. As recording occasions when they have had to refuse to serve, staff will be instructed on the procedures for reporting instances to the authorities.
Protection of Children from Harm Objectives
21 years will be established as the basic age for sale, with all customers whose age is at all questionably less than 21 being refused sale of alcohol without proof of age. (This will also apply to the delivery of alcohol - no proof of age will result in goods being returned to shop).
Alcohol delivered to addresses will only be handed over or left with someone over the age of 18. With the recipient signing to state that they are over 18 and the driver using the "think 21" approach and seeking proof of age where appropriate. Delivery staff will be trained and will carry supporting literature with them in the delivery vehicle. Alcohol will not be left at addresses without a recipient signature (if recipient is out) but will instead be returned to the shop for re-delivery or collection by recipient.