GettyImages-1149029916 Home delivery

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched new guidance for delivery drivers on how to approach the delivery and refusal of age-restricted products.

The guidance, which has been designed as a quick reference guide for drivers to view on their mobile devices, details the steps they should go through to ensure that they are only delivering to customers that are 18 and over.

The guidance, which is assured by Surrey and Buckinghamshire Trading Standards, includes:

  • Establishing whether the products in a delivery include anything that is age restricted
  • The importance of utilising the Challenge25 policy for deliveries and the kinds of identification that are accepted at the point of delivery
  • When a delivery should be refused, and how to report that back to the business

Figures from the 2021 Local Shop Report show that 22% of convenience retailers offer some form of local grocery delivery service, with many using colleagues in store or their own drivers to deliver goods to customers.

In December, Serve Legal revealed that less than half (45%) of mystery shoppers were asked for identification when ordering age-restricted products through rapid delivery services.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience store retailers have a proven track record of promoting responsible retailing through the use of the Challenge25 policy for all age restricted products. With home delivery becoming more common in our sector, it’s important that the delivery drivers understand their responsibilities and have the confidence to enforce a robust age restricted sales policy at the door – not just those who work directly for convenience stores, but also third party delivery partners.”

More information about Assured Advice is available at www.acs.org.uk/advice/age-restrictions.