Scotland: 'Don’t Buy It, Don’t Supply It' to prevent alcohol supply to under 18s

Preventing Adults buying Alcohol for under 18's is the focus of a new campaign in Scotland.

The initiative is to make Adults aware that they are committing an offence, if they are buying alcohol for an underage person.

The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 makes its an offence for an adult caught supplying or buying alcohol for an under 18. This is punishable with a fine of up to £5,000  or a maximum Three Months in Prison.

Retailers and Licensees are also at risk of prosecution for an offence of this nature, particular care should be taken to ensure you have robust systems in place for identifying underage drinkers on your premises or those Adults willing to facilitate drinking underage.  All licensed premises will have information supplied to them to support the initiative.

"Don't Buy It, Don't Supply It" is being taken forward by the Scottish Borders Safer Communities Team, incorporating Scottish Borders Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with support from the Borders Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.

– TONY HODGES, COMMUNITY INSPECTOR, POLICE SCOTLAND spoke to ITV news about the campaign:

"We are committed to keeping young members of our community safe from harm and underage drinking increases the risk to their safety.

In addition, a significant proportion of the youth-related anti-social behaviour we respond to comes as a result of those involved being under the influence.

I would urge parents and guardians of all young people to discuss the dangers associated with underage drinking with their children.

We will not tolerate such offences and fully support this campaign.”

More information can be found here https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/dontbuydontsupply