Tag: criminal offence

‘It’ll Cost You’: Spotlight on Buying Booze for Youngsters

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.”

New legal restrictions on XL Bully dog now in force in England and Wales

It is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, and abandon these dogs or let them stray

New restrictions on the XL Bully dogs are now in force (31 December) making it a legal requirement for all XL Bully dogs to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray from today.

The decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made following a concerning rise in attacks from these dangerous dogs, with 23 people sadly losing their lives after vicious dog attacks in the last three years. XL Bullies have been involved in many of these tragic deaths. 

Owners are also being urged to apply to register their current XL Bully dogs, as the Government takes action to safely manage the existing population of the breed. There is only a month left to meet the deadline when the ban comes into force on 1 February.

Owning an unregistered dog after this date will be a criminal offence, with owners who don’t facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine. Owners who do not want to keep their dogs after this date should take them to a vet to have them put down. 

If owners are unsure whether their dog could be classed as an XL Bully, they should check their dog carefully against our guidance and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to help them decide.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023.

“We have met that pledge – it is now a legal requirement for XL Bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray. 

“All XL Bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.”

The UK Government has taken a staggered approach to safely manage the existing population of XL Bully dogs, while ultimately banning the breed. 

On the 31 October, XL Bully dogs were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act, with owners given two months to prepare for the first stage of the ban.

Since the 31 December [today], it is illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray. All XL Bully dogs must also be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.

From 1st February all XL Bully dogs which must be registered.

From 30 June, XL Bully dogs over 1 year old must be neutered, this is extended until the 31 December for younger dogs.

NOTE: THIS LEGISLATION DOES NOT APPLY IN SCOTLAND

Police: It’ll Cost You

Are you aware of the consequences of proxy purchasing?

Underage drinking plays a huge part in antisocial behaviour, crime and violence in local communities. One of the ways young people get their hands on alcohol is to ask an adult to buy it for them. This is called proxy purchasing – and it’s a criminal offence.

Buy alcohol for someone under 18 and you could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to 3 months in prison. Or both.

For more information visit ➡️itwillcostyou.com

If you’re the adult being asked to buy alcohol for someone under 18:

Buying alcohol for anyone under the age of 18 is a criminal offence.

  • Depending on the circumstances, if you’re caught you could be fined up to £5,000.
  • You could also face a prison sentence of up to three months and a criminal record.

Alcohol-related anti social behaviour and violence affects everyone. It might be someone you know who suffers.

If you’re under 18 and asking an adult to buy alcohol for you:

  • You’ll lose the money you’ve handed over, and the alcohol purchased on your behalf will be confiscated.
  • If you are under 16 your parents or guardians will be notified.
  • If it’s an older brother, sister or mate, you’ve asked, then you’re putting them on the spot – they will be the ones facing a fine and a criminal record.
  • Alcohol can have a significant impact on your health, and put you in vulnerable or dangerous situations.

Visit www.scotland.police.uk for advice, resources and information.