Show Me ID Be Age OK, Ireland’s largest responsible retail training programme, has today released the participation numbers for 2024 to date.
Show Me ID’s online training module quizzes users on potential situations they are likely to encounter in a trading environment. This includes questions on what best practice is when somebody looks underage, when a minor attempts to buy an age-restricted product or when an unacceptable form of identification is provided at the point of service. Retail and hospitality staff are encouraged to do the training all year round - it can be easily completed on a computer, phone or tablet. It is a valuable tool to assist retailers in refusing underage sales, especially given the recent ban on underage vape sales. Breaching this new legislation can result in fines of up to €4,000 or up to six months in prison.
With two out of the four campaigns completed in 2024, there have been 382 completions of the Show Me ID training module from retail stores around the country. This exceeds the total number for 2023, which saw 368 completions. The top three participants in the training are Musgrave’s Group, BWG and Circle K.
There has been a hugely positive reaction from retail in 2024. Speaking to the Business Post in August 2024, Mary McDonald, Circle K’s Regional Director of Operations, said ‘The interactive training provided by the Show Me I.D programme has been greatly beneficial to our staff at Circle K, and it perfectly complements the range of training we provide. The online module has helped our staff to be aware of challenging situations, so they are familiar with what to expect.’
Regan’s Supervalu Firhouse (part of Musgrave's group), where the National Show Me ID Campaign for 2024 was launched in March, uses the Show Me ID module as part of its training processes for new staff. Store manager Alan O’Donnell said that Show Me ID has been ‘important in ensuring our staff maintain their high standards of vigilance around all age-restricted products.’
While Musgrave’s, BWG and Circle K staff lead the way in making use of the Show Me ID training, Show Me ID encourages the Irish retail and hospitality sectors to increase uptake of the module and make themselves aware of the seriousness of the laws on age-restricted products. As for retail staff, there are competitions they can enter that run during each quarterly campaign. At the end of each campaign, five lucky entrants receive a One4All gift voucher worth €100.
Retail staff are advised to stay tuned for the autumn and winter campaigns for 2024 and make this year the most successful for Show Me ID yet.
For more information about Show Me ID and to access the free training module, please visit the Show Me ID website: www.showmeid.ie
