Every third store sold to minors

Since July 1st, the Danish Safety Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen) has employed young ‘test buyers’ aged 15-17 to check if stores are selling alcohol and tobacco to minors. Out of over 600 checks, 195 resulted in illegal sales. According to DR, based on the Safety Authority’s data, this new method is considered highly effective by Deputy Director Kirsten Wilbour Dam Christensen. The initiative is part of a political agreement aimed at reducing children and young people’s consumption of alcohol and nicotine products. The young buyers are always accompanied by a supervisor. Violations found on the first day of checks ran high, with 17 out of 50 attempts proving successful. Retailers face fines up to 10,000 DKK for alcohol and up to 25,000 DKK for tobacco-related products for illegal sales to minors.