APLH Age Verification

Question 1

What is the minimum age for purchasing alcohol in England and Wales?

Accepted Answer

18 years old

Answer

The minimum age for purchasing alcohol in England and Wales is 18 years old — selling alcohol to a person under 18 is a criminal offence under the Licensing Act 2003.

Question 2

What does the Challenge 25 policy require licensed premises to do?

Accepted Answer

Request proof of age from any customer who appears to be under 25 before selling them alcohol

Answer

Challenge 25 means that if a customer appears to be under 25, staff must request valid proof of age before completing an alcohol sale — it creates a safety margin to avoid selling to under-18s.

Question 3

Which forms of ID are generally accepted under Challenge 25 schemes as proof of age?

Accepted Answer

PASS-hologram card, valid passport, or EU/UK photo driving licence — all of which confirm both identity and date of birth

Answer

Acceptable forms of age verification must include a date of birth and be difficult to forge — PASS-accredited cards, passports, and photo driving licences are the standard accepted forms.

Question 4

Under the Licensing Act 2003, what offence is committed by a licensed premises that sells alcohol to a person under 18?

Accepted Answer

A criminal offence under s.146, with a maximum fine and potential licence review

Answer

Section 146 of the Licensing Act 2003 creates a criminal offence for any person who knowingly sells or attempts to sell alcohol to a person under 18, and for the premises licence holder who allows it.

Question 5

What is a 'test purchase' in the context of alcohol licensing?

Accepted Answer

An undercover enforcement operation where a person under 18 (supervised by an adult officer) attempts to buy alcohol to test compliance with age verification procedures

Answer

Test purchase operations are conducted by trading standards and/or the police using young volunteers under 18 (with written consent) to test whether premises are properly checking age — a failed test can result in prosecution.

Personal Licence APLH Practice Test

Personal Licence APLH Practice Test

APLH Age Verification