Supermarkets break the law on selling alcohol to minors: Dominique Schelcher says it is "not acceptable"

He wants to ensure that the law is respected. Dominique Schelcher , President and CEO of CoopérativeU , was invited to respond on BFMTV to the observations made by the Addictions France association in its study "Free access to alcohol for minors: what levers for action?", published this Thursday, July 3.

According to the report, of the seven CoopérativeU stores tested, only two required ID from minors wishing to purchase alcohol. 86% of the supermarkets tested sold alcohol to minors between April and May 2025, compared to 93% during a similar operation in 2021.

"This is not acceptable," Dominique Schelcher defended himself, before adding that there was "no excuse" for not checking the age of young customers at the checkout.

"When I leave this studio, I will reissue instructions to all of my 1,800 stores to be vigilant," assured the CEO.

"Our hosts and cashiers must be exemplary on this issue. We have no room for error; it's about protecting minors. There's no room for discussion, so the re-awareness campaign will be extremely strong," concluded Dominique Schelcher.

According to the Public Health Code , any person who sells alcohol to a minor in a liquor store or in a shop is liable to a fine of 7,500 and "temporarily banning the exercise of the rights attached to a liquor license."

On the other hand, if the seller succeeds in proving his good faith, he cannot be sanctioned by law. This is a point that the Addictions France association returns to at length in its study, recommending new measures such as increased random checks, the establishment of a system of graduated sanctions in proportion to turnover, the development of administrative sanctions, and national monitoring of checks and sanctions.