Tag: proxy purchasing

‘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.”

BUYING ALCOHOL FOR KIDS IS A CRIME!

Adults buying alcohol for children are contributing to street disorder and underage drinking problems.

A campaign will launch in the summer holidays to drive home the message that buying alcohol for minors could land you with a fine, a jail sentence or both.

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign will launch in communities across Scotland at the beginning of the school holidays and will be fronted by Police Scotland with support from local stores and supermarkets.

Police Scotland is working with retailers, large and small, and alcohol companies to drive home the stark message that buying alcohol for children, proxy purchase, is a criminal offence.

Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with detections being made by police across Scotland during the course of last year’s campaign.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

This year’s campaign will run from 29 June in communities across Scotland.

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.

“Awareness of the criminality of proxy purchase has increased in recent years, since the campaign launched, with reports being made by both retailers and members of the public.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are determined to stop underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“Our members are robust in ensuring that under 18s can’t buy alcohol from their stores, so our communities need to support these efforts and be aware of the consequences of proxy purchasing.  

“The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnerships said, “As the school summer holidays approach, the campaign is a timely reminder to everyone about the consequences of buying alcohol for children and about the impact that underage drinking can have on our communities.  

“That’s why we will be working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, to make sure we highlight the campaign in all the work we will be doing in local communities over the summer holidays and beyond.”

Proxy purchasing: It will cost you

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 ⬇️

www.itwillcostyou.com/about

#ItWillCostYou

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.