AGE POLICY

MINIMUM UNSUPERVISED AGE POLICY 

This policy sets out the conditions under which children aged 12 and over may enter and remain in a Blackpool Tourism Limited venue without direct adult supervision. It ensures compliance with UK safeguarding expectations, health and safety duties, and licensing obligations, whilst prioritising the welfare of all children on the premises.

 

This policy is informed by:

  • The Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 (duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children).
  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (duty of care to all visitors).
  • Licensing Act 2003 (protection of children from harm in licensed premises).
  • Statutory guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children.

 

POLICY STATEMENT

 

Children aged 12 years and over may enter a Blackpool Tourism Limited (BTL) venue without a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, subject to the conditions set out in this policy.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person aged 16 & over.

BTL venues retains the right to refuse entry or require supervision where safeguarding or safety concerns arise.

CONDITIONS FOR UNSUPERVISED ENTRY (AGES 12 – 16)

Unsupervised access is permitted only where:

  • The environment is deemed appropriate and safe for young persons.
  • The child demonstrates appropriate behaviour and maturity.
  • The visit does not involve restricted activities (e.g. alcohol consumption areas where not permitted).
  • The child understands how to seek help if needed.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

DUTY OF CARE

While children aged 12+ may be unaccompanied, the venue maintains a duty of care and must take reasonable steps to ensure their safety.

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff must:

  • Be vigilant to safeguarding risks (e.g. distress, vulnerability, exploitation).
  • Be approachable and identifiable.
  • Respond promptly to any concerns involving a child.
  • Report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

If a child appears:

  • At risk of harm.
  • Under the influence of substances.
  • Subject to exploitation or coercion.
  • Lost, distressed, or unwell.

Staff must:

  • Intervene appropriately.
  • Ensure the child is safe.
  • Escalate concerns in line with safeguarding procedures.
  • Contact emergency services or local safeguarding authorities where necessary.

LICENSING AND ALCOHOL CONSIDERATIONS

In line with the Licensing Act 2003:

  • No alcohol may be sold to persons under 18.
  • Children must not be exposed to harm from alcohol-related environments.
  • Certain areas of the venue may be restricted to over-18s only.
  • Staff must operate a Challenge 25 policy for age verification.

Unaccompanied minors may be refused entry or asked to leave if the environment. becomes unsuitable (e.g. late-night alcohol-led trading).

ENFORCEMENT OF MINIMUM AGE POLICY

ENTRY MONITORING

  • Clear signage stating the minimum unsupervised age (12+).
  • Staff positioned at entry points where feasible.
  • Groups of young people may be informally age-checked.

AGE VERIFICATION

  • Staff may politely ask for age where there is doubt.
  • Proof of age may be requested in line with venue policy.

REFUSAL OF ENTRY

Entry may be refused where:

  • The child is believed to be under 12.
  • Behaviour raises safety or safeguarding concerns.
  • Venue conditions are not appropriate for unaccompanied minors.

MANAGING UNACCOMPANIED UNDER 12’S

If a child under 12 attempts entry alone:

  • They will not be admitted.
  • Staff will ensure the child is safe.
  • Reasonable steps will be taken to contact a parent/guardian.
  • Safeguarding procedures will be followed if necessary.

LOST OR AT RISK CHILDREN

If an unaccompanied child requires assistance:

  • They will be taken to a safe, supervised area.
  • Staff will attempt to contact a parent/guardian if appropriate.
  • Incidents will be recorded.
  • Safeguarding procedures will be followed if concerns arise.

COMMUNICATION OF POLICY

  • This policy will be displayed online where appropriate
  • Staff will communicate rules clearly and respectfully.
  • Information will be presented in a child-friendly manner where possible.