OPINION: Taking abuse should never be ‘part of the job’ for retailers

It was shocking to learn that there are 1,860 physical attacks on convenience retailers every day – just because they have asked a member of the public for proof of age.

Equally shocking, is that a number of respondents to the survey carried out by Under Age Sales said dealing with abuse from angry customers was “just part of the job”.

Our story on the number of assaults on independent retailers that challenge shoppers for proof of age gives a snapshot of the abuse retailers have experienced – no doubt it will sound familiar to many of you.

Every member of retail staff in the UK will face 1.74 assaults every year

Everyone that works in a shop is at risk of abuse. On average, every single member of retail staff in the UK will face 1.74 assaults every year when asking for ID.

Independent retailers deliver a service to their local communities. As part of that service, they have an obligation to uphold the law and ensure children don’t get their hands on age-restricted products. Unfortunately, that also means being in the line of fire.

Retailers deserve protection and, if they do suffer a verbal or physical attack, they deserve a fair sentence to be handed to the offender.

Dealing with daily abuse shouldn’t be part of anyone’s job.

Three top tips for dealing with abusive customers.