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It is common knowledge that there is a problem with underage drinking in the UK. Every time you switch the news on, you are almost certain to find a bulletin highlighting the issue. So who is responsible for trying to clamp down on this continuing problem?
Trading Standards is just one of the authorities responsible for countering underage sales and one man from Abbots Langley is a at the forefront of the battle.
Phil Clark, 39, of Gallows Hill Lane, is the Head of Trading Standards for the London Borough of Newham and the owner of APC Licensing, based here in Abbots.
Part of his job in Newham is to target licensed establishments to prevent illegal sales. He works very hard in enforcing the law and in some cases this means sending children into establishments to try and purchase alcohol and then to prosecute offenders. Phil has prosecuted literally hundreds of cases and this is not just in corner shops and independent pubs; Phil has successfully taken on huge chains such as Asda, Lidl and Somerfield. Since his appointment in 2003, the figures in Newham have dropped dramatically. Previously, alcohol was served to underage drinkers in around 88% of cases, that figure has now dropped to just 15%, which Phil believes is still way too high. When Phil is not busting establishments for serving alcohol to minors, he is training them on how to be a successful licensee. His business, APC Licensing, runs courses which include the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders, which is a one day training and exam course, successful completion of which is mandatory for new Licensees. APC also run the Award for Responsible Alcohol Retailing course, which is aimed at more junior staff. The Licence Holders course is held at the Parish Council offices, while the Alcohol Retailing training can be carried out at the establishment itself. Phil has his views as to why alcohol is commonly served to those not old enough. He told My Abbots: "In inner London there is a certain amount of intent to serve alcohol to kids, in some cases children have even been told by the trader to hide the bottles of drink because he knows they are under age. Locally, I believe it is more to do with lack of awareness and proper training. This is where I can help."
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