Danish retailers report increased staff anxiety following underage compliance checks

A month has passed since underage control buyers were deployed by the Danish Safety Authority to test compliance in stores, kiosks, gas stations, and other selling locations across the country. This initiative has created discomfort among staff and contributed to a tense work environment. Throughout the summer, these control buyers have attempted to purchase alcohol and nicotine products despite not meeting the legal age requirements, leading to 609 inspections. Of these, one-third failed, allowing the sale of tobacco or alcohol to minors.

Retailers, including Coop and De Samvirkende Købmænd, report increased anxiety among employees, particularly those at the register, as they navigate the heightened scrutiny. Jannick Nytoft, CEO of De Samvirkende Købmænd, stated that many employees have expressed feeling uneasy, creating a difficult work atmosphere. The situation has even necessitated psychological support for some staff, particularly when they have been caught making mistakes during these checks.

Nytoft highlighted that the increased tension stems from state-sponsored inspections, contrasting with standard practices like ID checks, which employees have always been expected to perform. Coop’s information director, Jens Juul Nielsen, noted that younger and less experienced staff members often find these confrontations quite traumatic, which does not foster job satisfaction.

The Safety Authority supports the use of control buyers as an effective method to address illegal sales to minors. The current age restrictions maintain that individuals must be over 16 to purchase alcohol below 16.5% and over 18 for tobacco and nicotine products. Kirsten Wilbour Dam Christiansen, deputy director of the Safety Authority, emphasized that adherence to these regulations remains crucial while also acknowledging the responsibility of retailers to prepare their employees adequately. Both Coop and De Samvirkende Købmænd admit that sales to minors persist and recognize the need for more training to reduce resulting employee anxiety.