We currently operate 26 licensed convenience stores throughout Fife and Perth and Kinross. In all of these stores, the sale of alcohol continues to be an important part of the business, and it is important for 2 very good reasons, viz. (a) because our customers want us to provide this service and (b) these sales are important to the business in terms of securing profitability and growth - which mean more jobs.

However, each of our stores is located in the heart of those communities we serve and it is my personal commitment that the sale of alcohol will not only be conducted strictly in accordance with the Licensing legislation, but also in a way that is socially responsible.

The Company's new Head Office and Warehouse complex at Kinross includes a modern training centre which has SERVEWISE accreditation for the training of staff in the sale of alcohol. The training includes current law and procedures governing the sale of alcohol, and recent legislative change introduced by the Licensing ( Scotland ) Act 2005 now requires that our store management teams have the knowledge and ability to give informed advice - when required - on the health dangers associated with excessive consumption of alcohol.

However, the decision to consume alcohol remains the personal choice of the customer and I am unable to control irresponsible or excessive abuse of alcohol. But my staff will endeavour to restrict the purchase and consumption of alcohol by youngsters in the communities. We are well aware of the social disorder arising from alcohol abuse by youths and it will always remain my goal to disassociate this Company from drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

In January, 2008 I introduced a "25-year old" policy whereby for the purchase of alcohol the staff will require photographic identification giving proof of age from any customer thought to be under 25 years of age. All stores have ample signage and notice of this policy.

The staff are well aware of the consequences of failing to adhere to these policies. However, the responsibility for preventing the consumption of alcohol by youngsters cannot fall solely on the licensee. There is regular liaison between this Company and our policing partners in Tayside and Fife and we will always co-operate with the police in the prosecution of those customers who purchase alcohol on behalf of youngsters or indeed those people under 18 years of age who enter the stores and attempt to purchase alcohol. We readily supply the police with statements and CCTV evidence of such conduct and this irrefutable evidence is put to good use in supporting prosecutions.

This company operates a continual programme of test purchasing of alcohol and cigarettes in all stores by supervised, young "mystery" shoppers. This allows me and my senior management team to know that the Sale of Alcohol Policy is being rigidly adhered to.

Finally, I wish visitors to this web page to know that I operate the Company with an ethos of transparency and in this respect I encourage customers and/or neighbours of any of our stores to contact me and voice concerns about any aspect regarding the sale of alcohol involving a particular store. If appropriate, I will follow this up with a personal visit by a senior member of staff to the complainer to discuss the issue, how it has been investigated and dealt with - and we will explain what action has been taken.

David Sands
Chief Executive Officer
David Sands Limited