Festivals & Events

There are thousands of festivals and events every year, some small and local, some massive and international. Getting the age restrictions right at beer tents, gin stands, craft beer and tobacco kiosks can be challenging

Often individual retailers on site, you need to comply with your own legal obligations, but also the requirements of the site owner, who may have particular requirements placed on their licence to operate the event. You need to take active steps to prevent young customers from accessing age restricted products. This includes creating an expectation of challenge for ID by displaying appropriate warning signage, being prepared for young customers by training your staff and checking that your age check systems are working. As a site owner or festival organiser, you might want to organise these checks together.

How can the Age Check Certification Scheme help festivals and events?

We test that age check systems work. We do this through audits, test purchasing and mystery shopping. We can visit festivals and events attempting to enter age restricted enclosures, place bets or buy alcohol. We can provide the industry standard signage for all parts of the event and provide specialised training for full time and casual event staff.

Why do I have to get this done?

Festivals and events will be subject to local licensing and planning restrictions which are likely to place strict obligations on both venue owners and the individual businesses operating at the event to take steps to prevent the underage gambling or consumption of alcohol. The penalties for failing to comply can be substantial including the forced closure of the racetrack.

What posters and materials do I need to be compliant?

You may be required to display certain posters or warnings in relation to access to gambling services or the purchase and consumption of alcohol at the event. Our shop has all of the materials, posters, badges, signs and policies that you need to comply with local laws.

What training do I need for our staff?

As a minimum, you should regularly remind your staff of the rules concerning age restricted goods. However, to be fully protected, you should put your staff through a structured training programme, as a part of when they start work with you. This training programme should be using certified materials and recorded.

How do I get my age check systems tested?

If you want a test purchase carrying out at your event, you can book this through our shop.

If you’ve got a programme of test purchasing activity that you want to discuss with us, then just get in touch. We can provide discounts for programmes of activity. We would be happy to prepare a bespoke proposal for you or to respond to an invitation to tender.

Our test purchasing and mystery shopping services are available in most of the G20 Group of Nations and the European Union. If you’d like to learn more about test purchasing in your country, then please get in touch.