Challenge 25 Policy

Cocktails215 – Challenge 25 Policy

Version 1.0 – May 2026 Applies to all alcohol, cocktail kits, and age‑restricted products sold or delivered by Cocktails215.


1. Purpose of This Policy

Cocktails215 operates under a strict Challenge 25 approach to prevent the sale or delivery of alcohol to anyone under 18. This policy ensures that all staff, couriers, and partners follow consistent, legally compliant age‑verification procedures.


2. What Challenge 25 Means

Challenge 25 requires that:

  • If a customer appears under 25, they must be asked to prove they are 18 or over.

  • No alcohol or age‑restricted product may be sold or delivered without successful age verification.

  • If acceptable ID cannot be provided, the sale or delivery must be refused.

Cocktails215 applies Challenge 25 at:

  • Online checkout

  • Dispatch review

  • Delivery or collection (via Royal Mail Age Verification)


3. Age Verification at Checkout

To prevent underage purchases:

  • Customers must confirm they are 18+ before completing checkout.

  • Age‑restricted items are clearly labelled.

  • Cocktails215 may request additional verification if an order appears suspicious.


4. Age Verification on Delivery (Royal Mail)

All Cocktails215 alcohol shipments are sent using Royal Mail Age Verification. Delivery staff must:

  • Ask for the recipient’s year of birth

  • Request photo ID if the recipient appears under 25

  • Refuse delivery if ID cannot be provided

Royal Mail will not:

  • Deliver to anyone under 18

  • Leave parcels in a safe place

  • Deliver without confirming age


5. Acceptable Forms of ID

The following are the only forms of ID accepted for Challenge 25 verification:

Primary Photo ID

  • Valid UK passport

  • Valid non‑UK passport

  • UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional)

  • EU photocard driving licence

  • UK PASS‑accredited ID card (e.g., CitizenCard, Validate UK)

Not Accepted

  • Photos or screenshots of ID

  • Student cards

  • Work ID cards

  • Birth certificates

  • Expired documents

If the customer cannot produce acceptable ID, the delivery must be refused.


6. Delivery Refusal Procedure

A delivery must be refused if:

  • The recipient appears under 25 and cannot produce acceptable ID

  • The recipient refuses to confirm their year of birth

  • The ID appears altered, damaged, or fraudulent

  • No adult is present at the address

Royal Mail will return the parcel to Cocktails215. We will contact the customer to verify age before re‑dispatching or refunding.


7. Staff Responsibilities

All Cocktails215 staff must:

  • Understand and follow this policy

  • Ensure all alcohol orders are dispatched with Age Verification

  • Flag suspicious or high‑risk orders for manual review


8. Customer Responsibilities

Customers must:

  • Ensure an adult aged 18+ is available to receive the delivery

  • Provide valid ID when requested

  • Not attempt to purchase alcohol for anyone under 18


9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or courier requirements change.