The city council's Labour Group leader, Coun. David Scott is to address a regional seminar in York tomorrow (5th) as part of the No ID No Sale campaign. The campaign is one that has been embraced by trading standards in York and Coun. Scott will be speaking on what it means from a local authority perspective. He said:

"The No ID No Sale campaign is an eminently sensible campaign and one I fully endorse. It makes sense that for consistency there is a limited number of forms of valid ID, and that young people are asked to provide it if there is any doubt over their age.

"I would like to see this procedure normalised so that those wishing to buy tobacco, alcohol and other age restricted products expect to be asked for ID and know that if they don't have it with them, they will be unsuccessful. It ties in very well with the ‘Challenge 21' policy which retailers are encouraged to adopt so young people who look 21 or under are asked for ID. From the retailer's point of view it is better to be safe than sorry".

The seminar takes place at the Novotel and will involve trading standards officers, No ID No Sale campaign coordinators and retailer representatives. And Coun. Scott says he will be talking about the extent of the problem of underage sales in the city. He commented:

"If we are being realistic there will always be some underage sales where there are irresponsible retailers but our challenge is to engage them and make them aware of their responsibilities and potential consequences if they don't. The No ID No Sale campaign assists them by giving them the tools to act responsibly and I warmly welcome that".

"York retailers can go further, however, and sign up to the city's ‘Responsible Retailers Scheme' and demonstrate a visible commitment to protecting children and young people interests and I urge them to do so".