The Danish Safety Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen) has implemented a new inspection scheme since July 1, 2023, where 15 to 17-year-old youths act as undercover buyers to test whether stores comply with regulations regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco. This new approach has resulted in a significant increase in recorded violations compared to previous inspection methods.
The initiative has already led to over 600 visits to various retail outlets, including kiosks and gas stations. Of these visits, 195 have resulted in the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to the young undercover buyers, according to data from the Danish Safety Authority.
Kirsten Wilbour Dam Christensen, Deputy Director of the Danish Safety Authority, describes the new inspection method as highly effective. “Last year, we did not achieve a single successful intervention, and earlier this year, only two times, so we see a marked improvement with these new measures,” she stated.
This inspection scheme is part of a broader political agreement aimed at reducing the consumption of alcohol and nicotine products among children and adolescents. The Danish Safety Authority has been authorized to use teenage undercover buyers, who are always accompanied by a supervisor.
The age limits dictate that individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase nicotine and tobacco products, as well as alcohol with an alcohol content over 16.5 percent. For alcohol with a lower alcohol percentage, the age limit is 16 years.
Despite the positive evaluation of the inspection method, there is also criticism. The Association of Cooperative Merchants (De Samvirkende Købmænd) has previously referred to the method as “missing the target” and likened it to agency work typically reserved for serious criminal activity. “It is a type of agency work that is usually only employed when there is reasonable suspicion of very serious crime,” said CEO Jannick Nytoft in November.
The Danish Safety Authority has maintained that the regulations have not changed and must continue to be upheld. Stine Pedersen, Head of Office, has previously stated that the many violations found on the first day of inspections indicate the necessity of the new inspection method.
It appears that businesses are still struggling to comply with the age restrictions. If caught selling alcohol to minors, a first offense can result in a fine of 10,000 Danish kroner (approximately $1,500 USD). Illegal sales of tobacco and similar products may lead to a fine of 25,000 Danish kroner (around $3,700 USD).