§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the National Association of Licensed Victuallers about the enforcement of regulations concerning the conditions of sale of intoxicating liquor in supermarkets, particularly concerning the employment of under-age assistants, sales to under-age customers and the need for separate sales sections; and if he will now take action to strengthen the relevant legislation and its enforcement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSection 169(1) of the Licensing Act 1964 prohibits the sale of 595W intoxicating liquor to a person under the age of 18 on any premises for which a justices' licence is in force. The enforcement of this provision is a matter for the police and the courts.
I am aware of the view of the National Union of Licensed Victuallers that in off-licensed supermarkets the sale of intoxicating liquor should be allowed only from a separate department within the store and that the person making the sale should be aged 18 or over. I shall bear these suggestions in mind, but I have no plans for legislation on liquor licensing at present.