Scottish Exec cracks down on underage drinking

Published: 23 July, 2008

Underage drinking will be targeted in Scotland under a new Test Purchasing Scheme.

The Scottish Executive has approved the nationwide roll-out of the scheme which will see 16-year-old volunteers deployed across licensed premised in the country to attempt to buy alcohol.

Seven premises in Fife lost their licence following a successful pilot of the scheme earlier this year.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, said the scheme would allow the police to target not only those who were selling alcohol to minors but those people who bought it on their behalf.

He added: "Responsible licensees have nothing to fear from this.

"I expect Licensing Boards to deal appropriately with those who are caught - we need to take decisive action to stop young people being able to buy alcohol."

The scheme has already received formal support from the supermarket chain Morrisons. Angus Maciver, Group Marketing and Communications Director, said the Test Purchase Scheme highlighted the need for retail outlets to be highly vigilant at all times.

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