When liquor is sold to minors: “The rate has gone down”

Since 2014, young test shoppers have been visiting tobacconists, supermarkets, gas station shops and bars in Upper Austria. They are volunteers between the ages of fourteen and fifteen and a half who are trying to get hard alcohol or cigarettes. The young people are tested more than 1,100 times a year. In most cases they come away empty-handed: the average sales rate, i.e. the percentage of liquor and tobacco sales to underage boys and girls, is just under 25 percent.

“When we started with the test purchases, the rate was higher. Over the years it has decreased,” says Dietmar Krenmayr from the addiction prevention institute of pro mente Upper Austria, which carries out the test purchases with the association “4YOUgend” on behalf of the state of Upper Austria. The situation has improved significantly, especially in gas station shops and restaurants, and more and more operators are adhering to youth protection.

Many people miscalculate

It is striking that around half of those who sell alcohol or tobacco products to 14 to 15 year olds have previously even asked for ID. “The staff checked, but miscalculated the age,” says Krenmayr.

The operators are informed immediately after the test purchase. This is done by adult carers from the Addiction Prevention Institute who accompany the teenagers to the shops or bars. There is praise for those who follow the rules. If a “prohibited sale” is discovered, the operators will be made aware of their misconduct.

Punishment for the unteachable

“Every company can make a mistake once in a while,” says Krenmayr. However, if a delivery occurs again at the next inspection, the test protocol is sent to the state of Upper Austria, which in turn informs the responsible trade authority – district authority or magistrate. the authority then decides on the punishment.

It is very rare for tobacconists, branch managers or restaurateurs to stand in the way. “Some people feel they are being treated unfairly. Then they react with incomprehension and do not want to accept that child protection is being monitored. But these are isolated cases,” says Krenmayr.

On the whole, the test purchases were “well accepted”. Although the testers make sure that there is little going on at the time of the test, time pressure still plays a role.

What’s new this year

This year, the test buyers will also check CBD shops and sellers of tobacco-free nicotine pouches for the first time. These products have been taboo for those under 18 since December 15th. This is stated in the amendment to the Upper Austrian Youth Protection Act – the OÖN reported. In addition, an expansion to the area of ​​lottery products is planned, said Youth Protection Councilor Michael Lindner (SP) on Wednesday. “It is very important to me that we also raise awareness in this area in order to bring youth protection to an even higher level.”

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