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 
Abuse directed at retail and bar staff who ask customers to comply with the law and wear face coverings will not be tolerated, Justice Secretary Keith Brown said yesterday.
It continues to be a legal requirement to wear face coverings in places such as shops and pubs and on public transport unless exempt – and Mr Brown said any form of abuse, threats or violence faced by workers as a result of simply doing their job is “completely unacceptable”.
It comes as new powers came into force in Scotland last month, making assaulting, threating or abusing certain staff a new standalone offence. Previously such conduct would be dealt with under more general offences.
Face coverings are a hugely important mitigation in the fight against COVID-19 as they create a physical barrier that helps stop the virus spreading from an infected person, while providing a degree of protection to the wearer against exposure to the virus.
Mr Brown urged people to follow the rules and treat staff with respect as Scotland continued to face high infection levels.
He said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who continue to wear face coverings and urge people to please follow the rules and guidelines still in place. It is still a requirement to wear face coverings in indoor public places, such as shops, public transport and when entering and moving about in hospitality settings.
“Everyone who can should wear a face covering because it is a simple and vital measure we can take to protect others and stem the spread of this deadly virus.
“Retail workers and those working in hospitality play a vital role serving our communities which has been clearly demonstrated throughout the pandemic and it’s extremely important they know they have the protection of the law when carrying out their duties.
“Any form of abuse, threats or violence faced by such workers as a result of simply doing their job is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Parliament recently introduced a standalone law with penalties of up to 12 months in prison and fines up to £10,000 for this type of behaviour and staff serving communities across Scotland can be assured the police and prosecution services stand ready to respond to any instances as necessary.”
DCC Malcolm Graham of Police Scotland said: “Everyone has the right to go to their work without being threatened or assaulted.
“Retail workers now have added protection in law and the police will act on reports we receive about this kind of unacceptable behaviour.
“I would also continue to encourage people to follow the regulations and guidance that remain in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.”
Solicitor General for Scotland Ruth Charteris QC said: “People in any walk of life should expect to go about their business without the fear of threats or abuse.
“This is true of shop workers who are protected in law and deserve our thanks and appreciation for the work they have done throughout the pandemic.”
By law, you must wear a face covering in certain indoor public places, including public transport, in Scotland unless an exemption applies.
See the complete list of settings where we all have to wear face coverings.
Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed a new law to protect Scottish shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse coming into force today, 24 August 2021. The union is urging shopworkers to report incidents to ensure the legislation is able to have an effect on ever increasing incidents.
The ground-breaking legislation was supported by MSPs after Usdaw’s long-running campaign led to the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern).
Usdaw has launched a Freedom from Fear summer campaign week from 22-29 August, with shocking statistics from their annual survey. Preliminary results from nearly 2,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months:
Scottish voices from the frontline
These are some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:
Central Scotland: “Abusive because they are having to wait in a queue or at self-scan to get alcohol or security tags taken off.”- “Have been threatened by violence once I finish work, will wait on me outside and kick my head in.”
Glasgow: “Had a bottle held over my head for my till. Been called a rat and been warned to watch myself walking home at night.” – “Customer tried to punch me, had threats of physical violence and called several demeaning names by customers.”
Highlands and Islands: “Social distancing and mask wearing have resulted in confrontations that have got particularly aggressive.”- “I have had someone throw their shopping at me when I have asked to stay 2m away.”
Lothian: “Lack of respect for requesting social distancing.” – “Multiple times I’ve had stuff thrown at me and once was kicked into a machine.” – “People insulting me or raising their voices when asked to follow basic covid regulations.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife: “We have been verbally abused regarding the safe system in place with regards to reopening our cafe.” – “Mainly shoplifters, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse.”
North East Scotland: “Mainly verbal aggressive abuse from customers. Rudeness, insults and shouting.” – “Customers argue when you explain the licensing regulations.”
South Scotland: “Sworn at, spat at, kicked at, punched at, eggs thrown at me.”- “Customer would not social distance, I got an absolute mouthful, said he knew better as he was a doctor.”
West Scotland: “Staff being grabbed by customers, threatened with knives, racially abused and received degrading comments calling us stupid little girls, worthless, and idiots.” – “Customers really think they can say whatever they want to us.”
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Scottish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive.
“Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate why the Scottish Parliament was right to pass a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.
“It has been a terrible year for our members, with over 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job.
“We continue to campaign for the UK Government to follow MSPs’ lead by extending similar protections to retail staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”
Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw’s Scottish Regional Secretary, says: “We welcome this ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse coming into force today. We again thank Daniel Johnson MSP and all MSPs for listening to the pleas of our members and giving them the legislative support they so desperately need.
“For this new legislation to have a real impact, we need to make sure staff report incidents of violence, threats or abuse to their manager. We are aware that some retail workers may feel it won’t make a difference, but my message to shopworkers is absolutely clear: report it to sort it.
“We are working with the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote the new law. We want criminals to understand that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is unacceptable and will land them with a stiffer sentence. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the respect they deserve.”
Chief Inspector Murray Tait, Local Area Commander for North East Edinburgh, said: “Our officers responded to a number of incidents involving youths in the Portobello area over the course of the weekend, including violence and antisocial behaviour.
“As a result of these reports, extensive enquiries have been undertaken and we can confirm that 6 arrests have been made to date. Further enquiries remain ongoing.
“It was unfortunate to see a small minority ruin the good weather for the rest of the community with their actions which have no place in Portobello. I want to make it absolutely clear that those who attend with the intention of causing violence and disorder are not welcome.
“Portobello Beach is a fantastic area, with great local businesses and is enjoyed by many families and young children who come to visit the area.
“I would like to reassure the public that there will be a significant police presence in the area, so we can robustly deal with anyone causing issues in the coming days. If you have any concerns about criminality, please speak to officers, call 101, or call 999 in an emergency.”
Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government, confirming that a new law to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse will come into force on 24 August 2021.
The ground-breaking legislation was supported by MSPs after Usdaw’s long-running campaign led to the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern).
Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw’s Scottish Regional Secretary, said: “We welcome today’s confirmation that ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse will come in to force on 24 August. We again thank Daniel Johnson MSP and all MSPs for listening to the pleas of our members and giving them the legislative support they so desperately need.
“Retail staff have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping to keep our communities fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus. Our 2020 survey showed that 9 in 10 shopworkers had been abused last year. This new law firmly backs up Usdaw’s clear message that abuse is not part of the job.
“We are now looking to work with the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote the new law. We want criminals to understand that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is unacceptable and will land them with a stiffer sentence. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the respect they deserve.”
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “The Scottish Parliament is leading the way on protection of shopworkers. Today our petition for similar legislation in the UK Parliament is being debated in the House of Commons (see below).
“We urge MPs to support the aims of our petition and persuade the Government to back legislation to protect shopworkers. They have the perfect opportunity by accepting an amendment from Sarah Jones MP to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which we hope will be supported in the bill committee.
“Retail employers, leading retail bodies and the shopworkers’ trade union are jointly calling for legislation, so it is time for the Government and MPs to listen.
“We are now looking for MPs to support key workers across the retail sector and help turn around the UK Government’s opposition and follow Scotland’s lead.”
A survey of over 12,000 retail workers has found that only 1 in 5 shopworkers who reported incidents of abuse or violence were satisfied with the official response from the police or their employer.
Westminster’s Home Affairs Committee has published the findings of its survey, which asked retail and other shopworkers to share their experiences of incidents of violence and abuse. Two thirds of those who reported incidents suggested no help was given to them after receiving an initial response from their employer or the police.
The Committee asked retail workers about the frequency of incidents, how these were reported, what action was taken by the police or employers and what should be done to prevent abuse in future. The majority of respondents had both witnessed and experienced verbal or physical abuse at work.
The survey found that 87% of respondents had reported incidents to their employer but, in 45% of these cases, no further action was taken. Half of respondents reported incidents to the police, of which only 12% led to an arrest.
A third of respondents did not report incidents to their employer because they believed nothing would be done or it was ‘just part of the job’. Over a quarter did not report incidents because they believed the police would not do anything about it.
Respondents felt that better security at retail premises and more severe punishments for offenders would help prevent incidents in the future.
The public survey was held as part of the committee’s inquiry into ‘Violence and abuse towards retail workers’. The findings are published ahead of today’s Westminster Hall debate on an e-petition calling for more protection for retail workers.
The Committee’s Chair, Yvette Cooper MP, said: “During the Covid crisis, we’ve seen an appalling and unacceptable increase in reported attacks and abuse against shop workers.
“No one should feel unsafe at their place of work and there are no circumstances where such behaviour should be tolerated. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences with the Committee.
“The sheer number of responses we have received shows just how widespread this problem is. In far too many cases retail workers don’t report incidents as they feel nothing will be done or that they’re expected to deal with such appalling incidents as part of their job. That’s simply not the case and it’s clear that action is needed to change this.
“The Committee is currently assessing the wider evidence we’ve received – I hope the Government responds constructively to the serious issues we have identified.”
Violence and verbal abuse of teachers is at risk of becoming normalised in some Scottish schools, teachers are warning, exacerbated by the rise of so-called ‘restorative’ approaches to pupil behaviour management which are eroding teachers’ authority and making them equally culpable for pupils’ behaviour.
Members of NASUWT Scotland-The Teachers’ Union are warning that the poor implementation of restorative behaviour schemes is putting both the learning of pupils and the welfare and safety of teachers at risk.
Restorative behaviour programmes typically centre on the use of restorative conversations between teachers and pupils to address incidents of poor behaviour, in lieu of other sanctions.
While the NASUWT does not necessarily disagree with the principle of such schemes, the Union is concerned that in too many schools the way such schemes are being implemented is effectively making teachers responsible for pupils’ behaviour and allowing school managements to abdicate their responsibilities for addressing pupil behaviour.
NASUWT Scotland members will call for clear guidelines to be introduced for all schools to support teachers in maintaining discipline and protect them from violence and abuse at the Union’s Scotland Annual Conference, which will be held virtually tomorrow (Saturday).
Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said: “In too many schools verbal and physical abuse against teachers is going unchallenged.
“There is a growing culture in schools of ‘blame the teacher’ rather than holding pupils accountable for their behaviour and this is being aided and abetted in some cases by the misuse and abuse of restorative behaviour policies, which are becoming synonymous in too many cases with no punishment or sanctions for unacceptable behaviour.
“While good behaviour management policies encourage pupils to reflect on their own behaviour, they also have in place clear and consistently enforced sanctions for verbal abuse or physical violence and make clear to all pupils that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Evidence shows that positive pupil behaviour stems from a whole school approach where managements lead and support staff in maintaining good discipline.
“No teacher should go to work with the expectation that they will be either verbally or physically abused. All teachers are entitled to dignity at work and a safe working environment.
“Teachers are being disempowered by the failure of government to ensure that across the country, behaviour policies are supporting teachers in maintaining high standards of discipline.
“It’s about time the Scottish Government made strong and unequivocal statements about the rights of teachers to a safe working environment, and took action to ensure that these rights are being delivered.”
The planned eviction and forced displacement of Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah in occupied East Jerusalem to make way for settler families – could amount to a war crime under the Fourth Geneva Cpnvention, according to the UN, and must not be allowed to go ahead.
We condemn the excessive use of force by Israeli security forces against Palestinians protesting against the evictions in Jerusalem, and the Israeli air strikes on the Gaza strip, which have reportedly killed over 20 Palestinians. The storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and violence inflicted on worshippers is equally condemned.
Palestinians have the right to peaceful protest – to protest against being forcibly evicted from their homes, to protest against being under occupation, to protest for their rights.
It is time for the UK government and international community to take firm action and hold the Israeli government account – to stop the persistent violations of international law, to stop the excessive use of force against Palestinians, and to end the illegal occupation.
The TUC has long-standing policy in support of Palestinian rights and justice for Palestine. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and all the victims of the violence of recent days.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured on Wester Drylaw Drive last night (Friday, 12 March).
Members of the public found a man lying injured on the road at around 7.15pm.
Emergency services attended and a 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment to serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Detectives are currently carrying out enquiries in Wester Drylaw Drive and the surrounding area in order to establish exactly what has happened.
“I am appealing to anyone who was on Wester Drylaw Drive yesterday evening and witnessed what happened to the victim, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.
“I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were in the area to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1498 of 13 March. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given anonymously.”
Police are still seeking information following an attack on a man in Wester Drylaw Drive which took place on Tuesday afternoon.
Police are also delivering letters to houses in Clermiston following a series of incidents over recent weeks.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM has outlined his commitment to reduce the impact of violence and improve the safety of officers and staff in a new pledge announced today.
The Chief has made it clear that violence against officers and staff is utterly unacceptable and should never be seen as simply part of the job. He has promised to provide appropriate support to colleagues where it does occur.
Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC and Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf have both backed the pledge, which also calls on wider society and the public to support policing.
Chief Constable Livingstone said: “As has been evident in recent weeks and months, at times of crisis, chaos and criticality, policing in Scotland brings order, discipline and compassion.
“It is, then, disgraceful and deplorable when officers and staff are subjected to violence during the course of their duties.
“I have enormous concern about assaults and attacks on police officers and staff, which are disgracefully on the increase. I utterly reject any suggestion or view that they come with the job.
“This pledge outlines my commitment to reducing the impact violence has on our officers and staff and to introducing measures to improve their safety.
“I am clear that it is the strong bond of trust and confidence forged between policing and our fellow citizens from which we obtain our authority. Your police service will always value that relationship.
“I’m grateful for the overwhelming support for policing from members of the public in recent weeks and months and I request that the same support and co-operation continues as we work together to build and maintain our collective safety and security.”
The Lord Advocate has made clear that offending against police officers will be prosecuted rigorously. James Wolffe QC said: “Assaults on police officers and staff are reprehensible and Scotland’s prosecution service will take action to protect their safety.
“COPFS works closely with Police Scotland to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of crime, properly addressing any criminal behaviour that threatens public safety and the safety of police officers.”
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I fully support the Chief Constable’s pledge and I am deeply concerned to hear that reports of violence on officers and staff are on the increase.
“It is simply not acceptable that they should be attacked or abused while going about their daily duty. The men and women of Police Scotland are the frontline in protecting communities and keeping Scotland safe.
“They are the very people who run to help others when it can be dangerous and often witness distressing scenes.
“No-one should face abuse or violence while at work and the courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with those who carry out such appalling behaviour on our officers and staff.”
The pledge and guidance were developed by members of the Your Safety Matters group, the membership of which includes staff associations, unions and experts from across Police Scotland.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor, who chairs the Your Safety Matters group, said: “The trend of increasing reports of assaults on officers and staff over a number of years is a matter of significant concern.
“It causes physical and psychological harm to dedicated public servants and also costs the public purse through days lost to ill-health or personal injury claims.
“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Police Federation, staff unions, and our partners to support our people as they, in turn, support their fellow citizens.”
Too many shopworkers are assaulted and they need the protection of the law, Usdaw will tell a Scottish Parliament Committee today.
Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw will today give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee in support of the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill, which is being promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern).
The Committee will meet at 9.45am in the Scottish Parliament’s David Livingstone Room (CR6).
As well as taking evidence from Usdaw, the committee will also hear from: Law Society of Scotland; Police Scotland; Scottish Grocers’ Federation; Scottish Retail Consortium; The Scottish Beer and Pub Association; Co-operative Group, and GMB.
Usdaw’s 2019 Freedom From Fear survey of over 1,000 Scottish retail workers shows that:
Stewart Forrest, Usdaw Scottish Divisional Officer, said: “Violence, threats and abuse against workers is totally unacceptable and we welcome the opportunity to give evidence in support of Daniel Johnson’s Bill.
“The statistics are shocking, showing that on average a Scottish shopworker can end up on the wrong side of a verbal or physical assault more than once every three weeks. Our message is clear, abuse is not a part of the job.
“Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them. We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns amongst retail staff about violence, threats and abuse. The campaign works with employers to promote respect.
“There needs to be a simple stand-alone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, the judiciary and most importantly criminals. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”
Voices from the Scottish frontline:
As part of Usdaw’s survey of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers, respondents have the opportunity to feed back their experiences, here are some examples from Scotland:
Alcohol: Aberdeen – “Customer under influence refused alcohol and became abusive and threatened staff.” Bellshill – “Because Scottish licencing laws are not clear to customers, I receive abuse on a regular occurrence.” Irvine – “Daily abuse from customers under the influence of drugs and alcohol”. Glasgow – “Couldn’t sell alcohol before 10 am got an earful and told I’d ruined her life.” Aberdeenshire – “Refused customer alcohol as they were drunk they tried to grab my hair and grabbed hold of my shirt.”
Age-restricted sales: Broxburn – “Customers very aggressive when refused sale of age restricted products, particularly alcohol. They think it’s ok to shout and swear at you using language that is disgusting and personal insults.” Fife – “ID’d someone who looked about 19, called a ‘ginger c**t’.” Fraserburgh – “Refused customer cigarettes and they started shouting and swearing”. Stranraer – “I was sworn at when I refused sale of a restricted item without ID”.
Throwing goods: Inverurie – “Customer threw items of their shopping at me as they were unhappy about the price.” Aberdeen – “I asked some youths to leave the store and they started throwing things at me.” Dalkeith – “One time a customer threw a computer at the manager.” Stenhousemuir – “His scotch pie, was not hot, he threw it back at me, and it hit my face.”
Sexual harassment: Fife – “Customer talking to members of staff inappropriately forcing members to be feel uncomfortable.” Moray coast – “Usually more sexual harassment that makes me feel extremely threatened and unsafe” Glasgow – “Got flashed by a customer, have had customers grab me and comment on my breasts.”
Shoplifters: Fife – “Shoplifter tried to head-butt me”. Braehead – “Chasing shoplifters – threatened with knife and syringes.” Glasgow – “Shoplifter tried to headbutt and kick me whilst he was being detained. Threatened to find my family using social media and slash their faces.”
Belittling: Wick – “Asked if I was stupid, spoken to like a child.” Dumfries – “I was asked if I was a normal person or not.” Dunfermline – “A customer once told me he wished I’d go away and kill myself for trying to do my job helping him.” Glasgow – “I have been called a fat cow and a jobs worth from shoplifters”.
Assault: Dingwall – “One customer elbowed me on purpose when I went past.” Greenock – “Was attacked and a fag stubbed out on my face.” Stirling – “Shoplifter pushed me over dislocating shoulder”.
Verbal abuse: Dundee – “I have had customers shout at me if something doesn’t go right and called many names, such as b***h and c**t.” Inverness – “A Woman was very upset about our lack of 10p bags and got verbally abusive.” Kilmarnock – “People being rude and bad mannered if they have to wait more than a minute in a queue.”
After work: Edinburgh – “I have been stopped in the street going home and verbally abused by a family member of a shoplifter that I had caught previously that day. I feel very uncomfortable being put in that situation as these people know where I live and are known to be violent!” Irvine – “Got threatened to be done away with because I closing the store!” Glasgow – “Threat to be stabbed, have car smashed up, to be met when finished work, called names, spat at. The list goes on”.
