76% of consumers prepared to boycott convenience stores over compliance failures

Research by digital identity specialists, ID Crypt Global, has found that 65% of UK consumers believe their local supermarket or convenience store contributes to the issue of under age drinking and smoking, with 39% stating that in doing so, they are causing a real issue within their local area. 

The survey of 2,645 UK consumers conducted by ID Crypt Global revealed that 39% of consumers believe that there is an issue within their local area when it comes to minors consuming alcohol and tobacco illegally. 

As many as 65% of those surveyed also felt that their local supermarket or convenience store was a contributing factor behind this issue.

65% also stated that they felt this consumption helped to increase the level of anti-social behaviour found within their local community. 

98% believe that it is important their local store is compliant when it comes to checking ID for age prohibited items. 

81% of consumers would like to see their local supermarket or convenience store be more proactive when it comes to preventing the issue of alcohol and tobacco consumption by minors. 

Finally, 76% stated that they would be less likely to use a local convenience store or supermarket if they were to be prosecuted for selling age prohibited items to minors. 

CEO and Founder of ID Crypt Global, Lauren Wilson-Smith, commented:

“Whether it be knowingly, or due to being duped by fake ID, our local supermarkets and corner shops are often one of the main sources for minors when looking to illegally obtain alcohol and tobacco products. 

Not only are these stores setting themselves up for some severe repercussions if caught, but providing minors with alcohol can directly fuel wider anti-social behaviour in the local area. 

For many consumers, this simply isn’t good enough and the vast majority, like myself, would be prepared to boycott a local store if it was to be prosecuted for selling age prohibited products to minors. 

So failing to check ID sufficiently can not only cause an immediate short term financial penalty, but it can also dent the sustainability of a business in the long run as well.”