The “It’ll Cost You” campaign, which aims to tackle youth drinking by warning consumers of the dangers of proxy purchasing, has been praised by Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown MSP.
Brown attended the latest roll-out of the campaign at a Scotmid store on Gorgie Road, Edinburgh. The campaign, which is run by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, in collaboration with Police Scotland and various Community Alcohol groups, is now in its tenth year and run nationally across Scotland. The initiative highlights that adults who buy alcohol for someone under 18 may face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to three months in prison, or both.
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said:
“To have run this campaign for 10 years is a strong example of partnership working to help reduce crime and make our communities safer.
“‘It’ll Cost You’ reinforces the message that buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18, regardless of your relationship to them, is illegal. It can put them at risk of becoming vulnerable or involved in antisocial behaviour and if you buy drink for them, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both. This campaign highlights the dangers of underage drinking and sends a strong message that this is not acceptable.”
Policing Together Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said:
“It’ll Cost You” is a really important campaign that looks to address the various risks to young people associated with them gaining access to alcohol. Please remember, that buying alcohol for those who are underage is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both.”
Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added:
“This campaign ties in with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. Retailers are committed to reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.”
Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnership Advisor for Scotland, said:
“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.”
Ian Lovie, Licensing & Compliance Manager, Scotmid, said:
“Scotmid has been a long term supporter of the campaign. We understand the importance of preventing proxy purchasing in our stores to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
