MP backs Freedom from Fear drive

MP Helen Jones gained first hand experience of the difficulties shopkeepers face when assessing whether someone is old enough to buy alcohol.
The Warrington North MP took part in the Westminster event as part of the retail union USDAW’s Freedom from Fear campaign.
It focused on the daily difficulties shop workers face when trying to decide whether someone looks old enough to buy alcohol or other age-restricted goods.
Ms Jones (pictured) said: “This exercise made me realise just how hard it is to tell the age of a young person. Shop workers have to make that on-the-spot judgement all the time.
“Refusing to serve someone who is underage is often a flashpoint for abuse, both physical and verbal, but even asking for ID is often enough to make many people kick-off at the shop worker.”
She said shop staff are in a difficult position and urged shoppers to be patient and to produce ID if requested. It was important for young people to be aware of the issue and to carry ID when buying restricted goods.”
John Hannett, USDAW general secretary, said: “We are delighted that Helen Jones continues to support our Freedom From Fear campaign.
“We want employers to understand the pressures that their staff face and to support them with simple reporting systems, prompt response when a threatened worker calls for help and banning persistent offenders from stores.”