A national campaign warning adults about the serious consequences of buying alcohol for young people was highlighted during a ministerial visit to
Kilmarnock.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald MSP visited the Asda Superstore in the town on Wednesday, July 29, to learn more about efforts to tackle underage drinking and alcohol-related youth disorder.
The “It’ll Cost You” campaign is delivered jointly by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, Police Scotland and Community Alcohol Partnerships.
It aims to remind adults that buying, or attempting to buy, alcohol for anyone under the age of 18 is a criminal offence in Scotland.
The practice, known as proxy purchasing, is one of the most common methods used by young people to obtain alcohol after being refused a direct sale.
Adults convicted of buying alcohol for children could face a fine of up to £5,000, a prison sentence of up to three months, or both.
During the Kilmarnock event, representatives from the retail and alcohol industries joined police and community safety organisations to demonstrate how they are working together to reduce underage drinking.
Ms 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.”
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Michelle Grant said alcohol could increase the risks faced by young people.
She 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 is 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 at Asda, said the supermarket was pleased to support the campaign.
She added: “As a responsible retailer, we want to play our part in reducing underage drinking and antisocial behaviour in our communities.”
Luke McGarty, from the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, said schemes such as Challenge 25 had helped to reduce direct alcohol sales to under-18s.
However, he warned that young people were increasingly attempting to obtain alcohol through adults.
He said: “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, from Community Alcohol Partnerships, added: “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.”