Police in Edinburgh seized large quantities of alcohol from local youths over the weekend as part of an on-going campaign to tackle underage and antisocial drinking in the East of the city.
As part of Police Scotland’s work under the East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership, officers were out within Portobello Promenade and High Street, as well as in Joppa Road on Saturday 20th July.
The activity followed reports of youth-related antisocial behaviour the previous evening and so high-visibility patrols were carried out to deter further criminal activity.
As a result, over 60 young people were stopped and searched, with around 20 being found in possession of alcohol.
Between 30-40 litres of beers, ciders and spirits was subsequently seized and disposed of and all youths spoken to will now be subject to antisocial behaviour warning letters from police and City of Edinburgh Council.
A number of people aged 18 and over were within the company of the minors during police patrols and these individuals also had their alcohol taken to ensure against proxy supply.
Officers then visited various licensed stores in the area and spoke with staff to remind them of their licensing responsibilities.
Further patrols and inspections will continue as part of the East Edinburgh CAP and the public are urged to assist police and their partners in addressing the issue of underage drinking.
Sergeant Steven Bisset said: “Members of the public in the Portobello area reported incidents of youth-related disturbances on Friday 19th July and so local officers undertook increased patrols the following evening to address these problems and offer reassurance to the communities.
“As part of our on-going work with the East Edinburgh CAP, we are committed to tackling underage drinking and associated offences and were able to seize large quantities of drink from those under the age of 18.
“While we are delighted with the support we are receiving from local retailers in preventing youths buying alcohol, we believe a number of adults continue to assist underage drinking through the proxy purchase of alcohol.
“Friends, family members and other persons over the age of 18 are reminded that it is an offence to buy or supply anyone underage with alcohol. Anyone found to be responsible will be dealt with appropriately.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
