Because they are required to wear a mask, young people have much easier access to alcohol and tobacco. This was shown by the test purchases made by the Zurich City Police last year. In almost half of the establishments, the decoys received the products prohibited for them.
Last year, the Zurich City Police, together with the addiction prevention center and the Blue Cross, carried out a total of 57 test purchases. It was checked whether the companies sell beer, wine or cigarettes to under 16-year-olds and spirits and mixed drinks to under 18-year-olds.
As the Zurich city police announced on Wednesday, the 14 to 17-year-old decoys were given the prohibited products in almost every second shop. This means a significant increase compared to pre-Corona years. This development can also be observed at the national level.
In case of doubt, ask for ID
The reason for this increase is the obligation to wear a mask, which makes the already difficult age estimation even more difficult. The police therefore urgently recommend that staff request identification in case of doubt or not to sell the products.
The employees who had illegally sold alcohol or cigarettes were reported to the city magistrate’s office. Administrative measures would also be initiated against those responsible, i.e. they would either be warned, sent to a training course, receive a temporary ban on the sale of alcohol or even have their patent withdrawn.