Staff working in the catering and hospitality industry must undergo specific training to ensure compliance with age verification regulations. The legal responsibilities, the identification of valid forms of identification, and the management of challenging situations involving customers should all be covered in this initial training.
Training employees in the appropriate manner helps protect both the company and the employees themselves from potential legal repercussions.
Understanding Legal Obligations
Training should start with a thorough understanding of the relevant laws, such as the Licensing Act 2003, and how they apply to the sale of age-restricted products. Staff should be aware of their legal duties and the potential consequences of failing to comply with age verification requirements.
Practical Skills for Identification Checks
Staff should be trained on how to check for valid identification, including passports, driving licenses, and PASS cards. This includes having an understanding of what to look for in a legitimate identification card, such as security features and expiration dates, as well as how to identify potential forgeries.
Staff members should also be aware of how to respond to situations in which customers fail to provide the appropriate identification.
Refresher Training and Ongoing Support
You should not treat training as a one-time event. Businesses should provide refresher training regularly, especially as legislation or technology evolves. Managers should also offer ongoing support and be available to assist staff with any questions or concerns related to age verification, ensuring that employees feel confident and informed in their roles.