The crime of buying booze for youngsters came under the spotlight in Kilmarnock this week (July 29th).
Scottish Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald MSP visited the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock to see for herself how retailers, alcohol producers and Police Scotland have come together to drive home the message that buying alcohol for under-18s could land someone a fine, jail time or both.
The “It’ll Cost You’ Campaign is delivered by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, Police Scotland and Community Alcohol Partnerships.
The event at the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock demonstrated the unique partnership working between the alcohol industry, retailers, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the police in tackling underage drinking and youth disorder.
Asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18.
This is known as proxy purchase. Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000 or three months in jail. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said: “It was valuable to see first-hand how the ‘It’ll Cost You’ campaign brings together retailers, Police Scotland, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the alcohol industry to tackle proxy purchasing and help prevent underage drinking.
“Buying alcohol for anyone under 18 is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. It can put young people at risk of harm, increase their vulnerability, and contribute to antisocial behaviour.
“While awareness is growing, proxy purchasing remains an issue in our communities and I urge anyone considering it to think carefully about the consequences for themselves and the young person involved.”
Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland said: “When young people access alcohol, it can become a factor in violence and increased vulnerability. Buying alcohol for underage people is dangerous and it’s a criminal offence which can result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both. Don’t buy alcohol for young people.”
Grace O’Keeffe, Corporate Affairs Manager Asda said: “Asda is pleased to be supporting the ‘It’ll Cost You’ proxy purchase campaign.
“As a responsible retailer we want to play our part in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “The success of initiatives such as Challenge 25 have helped reduce the number of direct sales of alcohol to under 18s, but young people are increasingly accessing alcohol by other means.
“Asking an adult to buy alcohol for them is one of the most common tactics used. The It’ll Cost You campaign helps to tackle this.”
Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership, said: “Proxy purchase continues to be a challenge across Scotland.
“This campaign highlights the dangers and penalties that can result from adults buying alcohol for young people.”
