Police target alcohol proxy purchases

Police Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council Community Safety Team and staff from Sainsbury’s and Scotmid will be out and about talking to independent licensees and customers at off-sales, shops and supermarkets in East Edinburgh tonight to raise awareness of the harm alcohol proxy purchases can have on their community.

Supplying alcohol to under-18s is a criminal offence, and those caught could face a £5,000 fine or a prison sentence up to three months .  The joint patrols will be talking to customers about the legalities of passing on alcohol to under-18s and the criminal consequences, of what some consider a relatively harmless or minor act despite of the obvious dangers and risks associated with young adults and teenagers drinking.

Constable Mark Pickavance, Chair of East Edinburgh CAP, said: “Proxy alcohol sales for under-18s is an ongoing problem, it can happen between friends, family members and strangers. Procedures surrounding the sales of alcohol have been significantly strengthened in recent years and young adults and teenagers are placing not only themselves but their older friends, family members and strangers at risk by asking them to break the law in order to fuel a few hours of enjoyment at found at the bottom of a bottle.

“East Edinburgh CAP are asking people to think before buying alcohol for young people. It is an offence to buy alcohol for a someone under 18. By working in partnership we can create a safer, happier and healthier community

Community Safety Leader, Cllr Cammy Day, said: “Alcohol abuse can cause young people to take more risks than they would when sober and this can lead to anti social behaviour or violence. The Council works regularly with partners such as Police Scotland and NHS Lothian to encourage young people to keep themselves safe.

 
“People can also help us with this by not buying alcohol for under 18s, which is not only illegal but can have very serious consequences for the community as a whole.”