[ad_1]
This suggests the evaluation of around 6,500 test purchases in 2019. In 2019, 20.3 percent of purchase attempts by minors were successful, the Addiction Foundation Switzerland said on Wednesday. This corresponds to a decrease of more than 10 percentage points compared to 2016.
Gas station stores (a good 10 percent of illegal sales), versus restaurants and cafes, as well as chain stores and wholesalers (nearly 20 percent each) performed better on test purchases made on behalf of the Federal Customs Administration (EZV). However, according to statistics, almost one in three attempts have been successful in festivals, bars and pubs.
In nearly 82 percent of the cases, sales and service personnel performed an age verification, according to the notification. In 2019, more boys than girls were checked, and girls shopping alone received more alcohol than boys shopping alone.
Despite the decline, the number of illegal sales “remains very high,” write Sucht Schweiz and the FCA. One problem is that sales staff sometimes feel overwhelmed when the crowd is too busy and at events.
Sales staff are sometimes overwhelmed
A study published in September 2019 showed that among the outlets examined, only retail personnel received systematic training in selling alcohol to young people and how to deal with them.
According to Sucht Schweiz, the appearance of young customers often makes it difficult to estimate their age and makes employees doubt whether to request identification. Another reason is the fear of losing sales.
In addition to the comprehensive training courses, according to Sucht Schweiz, technical aids such as the use of scanners that read the identity card or colored bracelets are desirable for minors. But not only the sales staff, but also the companies share the responsibility.
In a test purchase, young people who have not yet reached the legal minimum age try to buy alcoholic beverages. 6,534 test purchases were evaluated for the report. 21 organizations such as municipalities, cantonal offices, companies or associations made them available for evaluation.
For the purchase of wine and beer, a minimum age of 16 years applies, whoever buys liquors must be at least 18 years old.
