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.
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.
A study published yesterday by Public Health Scotland (PHS) examined the extent to which people might be travelling outside Scotland to purchase alcohol at a lower price, since the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing in Scotland.
The findings indicate that minimal cross-border purchasing occurs, and this is unlikely to be happening on a scale that would significantly affect alcohol consumption at a population level or impact the intended outcomes and aims of MUP.
Interviews with retailers indicated that households in close proximity to the border made most use of cross-border purchasing, reflecting established shopping habits. None of the retailers had knowledge of people from Scotland appearing to travel to England to buy large quantities of alcohol. Analysis shows that substantial bulk purchasing would be needed for individuals to make significant savings whether purchasing in-person or online, once travel and delivery costs are taken into account.
The research also shows that licensing near the border did not display a shift from Scotland to England following the introduction of MUP legislation. Analysis of off-trade alcohol sales data in the combined areas of North East and North West England in the 12 months following implementation of MUP showed a small increase (1.14%).
When a panel of over 1,000 Scottish adults was asked whether they have travelled to another part of the UK for the sole purpose of buying alcohol only 3% responded that they had done so.
Helen Chung Patterson, Public Health Intelligence Adviser at Public Health Scotland said: “The research published today shows that while cross-border purchasing does happen, the extent is small relative to the purchasing behaviours of Scotland’s population as a whole.
“A key strength of this report is that it enables us to build up a picture of cross-border alcohol-purchasing behaviours from several perspectives. We have examined data on retail sales and alcohol licencing near the border, drawn on qualitative interviews with retailers, gathered customer survey data and explored the factors affecting in-person and online cross-border purchases. When several different methods produce broadly similar results, as is the case with the report published today, this increases confidence in the findings.”
Further evidence may arise on cross-border purchasing at a later date (both from within and out-with Public Health Scotland’s portfolio on MUP evaluation), for example as part of the study on Drinking at Harmful Levels, which is due to be published by PHS later this year.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK
14th to 20th June is Nutrition and Hydration week. Staying hydrated is important for keeping your heart and circulatory system healthy. Thirst often feels similar to hunger, so drinking plenty of fluid can prevent over-eating and weight-gain. We have some tips to help you stay hydrated.
Am I dehydrated?
Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating. If your urine is pale and clear then you are hydrated. If your urine is more yellow, brown or dark in colour with a strong smell, you are probably not drinking enough.
How much should I drink?
Aim to drink six to eight cups or glasses of fluid every day. You may need to drink more during hot weather, or if you are doing a lot of physical activity.
What should I drink?
Water is best, but if you don’t like water, you could try herbal teas or sugar-free squash. Coffee and tea also count, but try to cut out any added sugar.
You can get water from fruit and vegetables, such as cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, oranges and apples. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as it causes you to urinate more, which can lead to dehydration.
For millions of Brits, this weekend’s announcement will have meant last minute changes to Christmas plans, with 46% of Brits saying they were looking forward to spending time with their family. But just because it’s different, doesn’t mean it can’t still be festive, as people look for new ways to celebrate.
For many people, 2020 has been the year of loungewear, and it seems this trend will be continuing over the festive season. According to Matalan’s survey, 1 in 3 Brits will be keeping comfy for Christmas, spending the big day in either pyjamas or loungewear!
And in keeping with the rest of the year, video calls will be playing a major role, as Brits turn to Zoom, Facetime and Houseparty to spend time with loved ones. According to the survey results, 11am-12pm is the time most of us will be setting aside to arrange video calls with friends and family.
Looking at the rest of the big day, 12-1pm is when Brits will enjoy their first alcoholic drink, with most sitting down to dinner between 2pm and 3pm, before heading outside for a wintery walk.
Finally, we’ll be sitting down to enjoy our favourite festive films and TV shows, or starting a new board game between 7pm and 8pm.
Sales of takeaway alcohol products have risen by more than a third (36%) during lockdown, due to increased intake and offerings, new research shows.
Brand new data compiled by Just Eat and City Pantry reveals the UK’s takeaway habits and how they’ve changed during the pandemic.
Northern Ireland saw the biggest increase in product orders with a rise of 9.3%, while the West Midlands saw the lowest increase at 3.5%.
Continued social distancing and flexible working will lead to steady increase in home deliveries, expert says.
Takeaway alcohol product sales have risen by more than a third (36%) during lockdown, due to an increase in consumption and a wider availability of products, new research shows.
The study, compiled by City Pantry and Just Eat, looks at how the nation’s takeaway habits have changed over lockdown, to reveal whether we’re eating healthier, drinking or eating more, and when in the week we’re most likely to indulge in a takeaway.
Northern Ireland saw the biggest sales increase with orders up 9.3%, followed by the East of England with 7.7% and the East Midlands at 6.4%. The West Midlands (3.5%) and the North West (3.8%) saw the lowest rise.
While this increase could be attributed to a rise in at-home consumption due to Brits being unable to visit the pub, it’s also likely due to more providers adding alcohol products to their takeaway menus than before the pandemic.
This has been instrumental in allowing dine-in restaurants to pivot their services to maintain revenue while restrictions were in place, with all regions partaking in remotely purchasing alcohol products.
Increase in alcohol consumption by region
As well as ordering more alcohol products, the data shows that some regions have grown progressively more adventurous with their meal choices.
Brunch orders have seen the biggest maximum rise overall with orders jumping by 182% in Northern Ireland, while Scotland has seen orders of Greek food – such as moussaka, baklava and gyros – rise by 167%.
Vegan and vegetarian orders are also on the rise, with plant-based takeaways rising by almost a third (29%). Not every part of the UK is onboard with the veggie options, however, as they’ve dipped by 10% in the Midlands and 7% in Scotland compared to before lockdown.
Tom Squire, Financial Director at City Pantry, comments: “As businesses and individuals continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’ and practice social distancing, it’s likely we will see further growth in delivered-in meals.
“As such, it’s important that we in the hospitality industry continue to work together to find solutions that are COVID-safe and adapt to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
“We’ve already seen hospitality businesses adapt and create new offerings during lockdown – from creating recipe boxes of their best-selling dishes to hampers that include treats and alcohol, all available for delivery to people’s homes.
“Convenience and variety have played a big role in this increased demand, with busy remote workers not able to spend sufficient time preparing all their meals from scratch every day.”
And increased alcohol sales isn’t the only habit that has increased during lockdown – dessert orders have risen by a massive 151% in Wales and 141% in the East of England, while the average takeaway order value is now 10% higher than before lockdown.
Ahead of what is being dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ – when bars, pubs and restaurants reopen in England – The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is urging the public to act sensibly to not risk overwhelming A&Es.
Scots, of course, must wait a wee while longer for the hospitality industry to fully open but there are widespread concerns that tomorrow could see irresponsible behaviour put the UK’s gradual recovery from the coronavirus crisis in jeopardy.
President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Katherine Henderson said: “To many Saturday will come as a welcome release from an unprecedented nationwide lockdown and it is understandable that people want to let off steam.
“But we urge the public to be careful and use common sense. The NHS has coped admirably during this period, but staff are exhausted, and the system is very fragile. After seeing all of the goodwill, all of the clapping for the NHS, it would be heartbreaking to see A&Es overwhelmed on the first post-lockdown evening by people who have gotten too drunk or been in a fight.
“If you go to A&E because you’re plastered, you end up stretching the health service further and potentially put others at risk. Not only do you risk accidentally infecting someone with coronavirus because you don’t know you have it, but you are taking up the time of doctors who could be treating patients whose lives are in danger.
“It has never been more important that our Emergency Departments are for absolute emergencies only, and it has never been more important that people drink responsibly.
“While social distancing measures may have been relaxed, the threat of coronavirus has not gone away; it is still very real, it is still very dangerous.
“We need the public to help; act responsibly, drink responsibly and do maintain social distancing. It is also really important that people choose the care service that is most appropriate for their needs. If it is not an emergency, call 111, see a pharmacist, book a GP appointment. If you are seriously injured or sick, go to your A&E – you will be treated.
“We cannot go back to a pre-covid world where everyone turns up at a crowded A&E for treatment. We need patients to choose wisely and we need proper provision of alternative care services. Without both, A&Es risk becoming hubs of infection and we will end up back at square one.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make an appeal to the public to stick to guidelines at a press conference later today. Whether the public will listen or not we’ll find out tomorrow.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? Private Eye’s view …
North Edinburgh has a new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) based at Drylaw covering the Forth and Inverleith wards. The CAP was launched at Spartans Community Football Academy yesterday, and over the coming weeks more community groups and youth organisations will have the opportunity to help develop and contribute to a local Action Plan.Continue reading Community Alcohol Partnership launched in North Edinburgh
Despite a recent study by the University of London revealing that Millennials are shunning alcohol, and teetotalism has become more mainstream, drink driving casualties are at a four year high. In fact, data released by the Department of Transport showed that more than 24% of drink drivers were aged between 16 and 19 years old – inexperienced drivers who have recently passed their driving test.Continue reading More emphasis on hazards of drink and drug driving needed in driving lessons, warn campaigners
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