More than half of all shopkeepers have been attacked or verbally abused for refusing to sell cigarettes or alcohol to under-age customers.
According to a survey by trade magazine Independent Retail News, 52 per cent of independent shop owners have suffered verbal abuse, intimidation or a violent attack in the last 12 months.
In undercover operations by trading standards more than a third of grocers, supermarkets and off-licences sold alcohol to minors.
Usdaw, the UK's biggest union for shop workers, is lobbying the Government to introduce a proof of age scheme recognised across the UK, giving a clear message of 'no ID, no sale'.
Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: "Shop workers are rightly expected to uphold the law but they should not be expected to put themselves in any danger."
Friday August 20, 2004
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