People under 30 to be ID'd for alcohol

7:10pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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A CONVENIENCE store chain is clamping down on underage drinking by checking the ID of everyone who looks under 30.

Mills Group, who own shops in Monmouth, Caldicot and Chepstow, have introduced a 'Think 30' scheme in their stores.

Now everyone who comes into their stores will be checked for identification if they look younger than 30.

A store manager in one Gwent Mills store says the policy will make her life much easier.

Caroline Jones, manager of Mills in Bulwark, said: "I think it's a good thing and it makes my life much easier.

"It can be difficult to tell the difference between a 21 year old and someone who is underage. It's not always easy to tell these days.

"In the beginning some people were rude to us about it, but we make a joke of it with the customers with everyone who comes in.

"You do upset a few but you have to tell them this is our job."

She said the store, based in the Shopping Centre in Bulwark, does not have a problem with children trying to buy drink at the shop.

"We're part of the community here, we do know everybody. The trouble with kids seems to pass us by, but then we close at half past six."

People buying alcohol require driving licence, passport or official cards with a hologram.

Ms Jones said the firm was doing spot checks to ensure the policy is working.

She said: "Mills have been sending people in themselves at 18 year olds to make sure that the staff are asking."

The company also has stores in Monmouth and Caldicot.