Kent Police Crack Down on Shops Selling Booze to Kids
Kent Police’s licensing team is on the warpath to stop shops selling alcohol to underage teenagers. Over the past year, seven premises have had their licences yanked for flogging beer, vodka, and other booze to minors—some of whom ended up in hospital.
Deal, Dover and Canterbury Take the Brunt
Two shops in Deal and two in Dover have copped the full force of the crackdown. Others in Canterbury, Herne Bay, and New Romney were also caught out. Meanwhile, maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone alone saw 11 shops slapped with stern warnings as police keep the pressure on.
Zero Tolerance: Police Mean Business
Licensing Sergeant Pete Ballard sent a clear message: “Having a licence to sell alcohol is a big responsibility, and most shopkeepers take it seriously. But some still let kids buy booze, leading to serious health risks and downright brazen breaches.”
“One shopkeeper even led a child outside to complete a sale, while another hid vodka for a minor to collect later. We act fast in such cases—serious offenders can lose their licence and be shut down.”
He added, “We won’t tolerate businesses that put profit above community safety. Our team stays tough, working closely with partners to keep licensed premises honest.”
How Shops Can Stay on the Right Side of the Law
- Use a strict ‘Challenge 25’ policy—always check ID if the buyer looks under 25, not just under 18.
- Only accept valid ID like passports or driving licences.
- If you’re not 100% sure, refuse the sale—even if ID is shown.
- Train your staff regularly on age-restricted sales rules.
- Be alert for adults buying alcohol for minors—refuse these sales.
- Display clear signs stating it’s illegal to sell alcohol to under-18s and that ID checks are mandatory.
