The law prohibits the supply of certain products to persons under certain ages. The following is designed to guide you through the requirements of the law and assist in compliance.

If an age-restricted product is sold to an underage person, even if they claim they are for an adult, the retailer and the salesperson can be guilty of a criminal offence. Anyone who sells age-restricted products should be fully aware of the age limits, adequately trained and aware of company procedures and policies to ensure that no sale ever takes place to an underage person.

If you are in doubt, and the person cannot provide legitimate proof of their age, our advice is to refuse to sell the goods to them.

Acceptable types of proof of age must contain a photograph of the holder and their date of birth e.g. a Connexions card or Driving Licence.

Other than in the case of alcohol, the buyer does not commit an offence in purchasing the age restricted product.

Employment
If young people who have not reached their statutory school leaving date are employed, their employer should first apply for an employment permit from the Local Education Authority. Every six months employers will be asked to provide the Local Education Authority with a list of young people of school age employed by them.

Health & Safety
Employers need to comply with provisions to protect the Health and Safety of any employee under the age of 18. These include assessing the risks to the young person before they start work, taking into account their inexperience, lack of awareness and immaturity. They must provide information to parents of school age children about the risks and control measures introduced. There are also limits on the hours that children under the minimum school leaving age are able to work.

The following act as proof of age:

There is increasing concern about the potential adverse health effects of children drinking at or above the sensible levels for adults. Regular, heavy alcohol consumption and binge drinking have been associated with physical problems, antisocial behaviour, violence, other crime, accidents, suicide, injuries and road traffic accidents. It can also affect school performance. Alcohol misuse is also associated with a range of mental disorders and can exacerbate existing mental health problems. Adolescents report having more risky sex when they are under the influence of alcohol; they may be less likely to contraception and more likely to have sex early or have sex they later regret - British Medical Association paper "Alcohol - young people" - April 2006.

Smoking remains the single biggest preventable cause of ill health. A recent US study found that smoking during teenage years causes permanent genetic changes in the lungs and forever increases the risk of lung cancer - Public Health White Paper - Choosing Health 2004.

Teenagers are up to three times more likely to smoke if one or more parents smoke. If you are a smoker, it is unlikely that you would consciously encourage your child to take up the habit as well. You can help to lessen the temptation by ensuring that you can keep smoking materials out of reach and view. Free help is available in your area to help you quit.

For further information please contact Resolution on 01509 410241 if you live in the District of Charnwood or North West Leicestershire and 0845 045 2828 for all other areas.

There are significant risks associated with solvent abuse. These include fatal heart problems, nausea, vomiting, severe headaches and blackouts. Long term effects include brain damage, kidney or liver failure. A number of fatalities have arisen from solvent abuse.

Knife crime is an ongoing concern within this Country as there is a developing cult amongst youngsters in relation to their carriage and use. Young people who carry knifes are living very dangerously. While they may not actually intend to use the knife they are placing themselves in a position where they could potentially kill someone. The reality is that a single knife wound can be fatal.

It is important that children and young adults are protected from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content in video recordings including sexual and physical violence and torture. Rating certificates are applied to such recordings to ensure that they are suitable for viewing in the home by the target audience.

In 2005 991 people were injured by fireworks, 213 of these were children aged between 13 and 17 - DTI firework injury statistics 2005. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the hands of young, inexperienced handlers. Young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Only adults should deal with the lighting of fireworks. Adults should ensure that fireworks are stored in a safe place where children cannot access them.