Test purchase operation gets underway in the North

18th January 2011

NORTHERN Constabulary will be utilising the power of the test purchasing legislation to target unscrupulous licensed traders who sell alcohol to under 18s in the coming months.

Test Purchasing schemes are designed to target the illegal sale of alcohol to young people and the irresponsible and anti-social behaviour that stems from that. By working together, the Force and its partner agencies can reduce the availability of alcohol to under-18s.

Throughout January and February, Northern Constabulary will be carrying out Test Purchases in the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross areas.

The powers will be used to root out licensed traders who sell alcohol to minors, adding to alcohol related problems, such as anti-social behaviour, disorder and vandalism.

The scheme consists of a fully briefed teenager (under 18 years of age) entering licensed premises under controlled conditions and in line with ACPOS agreed guidelines to purchase alcohol. If the proprietor does not ask the person their age and allows them to purchase alcohol they will be committing an offence, even if their excuse is that they thought they were 18.

Licence holders will not be duped into committing an offence because if they, as they should do, ask the age of the test purchaser then the youngsters will answer truthfully.

Public houses, off-sales, and nightclub proprietors are reminded they could face losing their licence if they are found to be selling alcohol to anyone under 18.

The Police-led initiative is being supported by The Highland Council, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Licence Trade Association and Crimestoppers.

Wick based Detective Sergeant Craig Thomson who is leading the Operation, said: "In every community, there are public places where groups of youths congregate for the purpose of consuming alcohol. This often results in anti-social behaviour and has obvious implications on the quality of life for the communities. Undoubtedly, many of the problems associated with youths can be directly attributed to the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol. We are responding to the needs of our communities by pro-actively tackling this issue at the source, identifying and bringing to justice those who are perpetuating the problem of anti-social behaviour within our communities for the sake of profit.

"It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under 18. It is not just the licence holder who is responsible, but also all the staff working in any licensed premises. The message is: Can't Tell, Don't Sell, it's Your Responsibility."

Crimestoppers Highland is urging the public to help Police trace those traders who are breaking the law."Jim Ferguson, Crimestoppers Highland chairman, said: "Crimestoppers fully support Northern Constabulary's initiative in robustly tackling the problem of alcohol sales to underage youths. We are keen for members of the public to use the Crimestoppers anonymous number 0800 555 111 to pass information to our call centre with any information they may have of any off-licences violating the conditions of their alcohol licence.

"Underage drinking has serious consequences, sometimes causing long term health problems and more often than not leading to anti social behaviour. Crimestoppers commend Northern Constabulary for taking such a firm stance for the benefit of all concerned."

Bill Fernie a Wick Councillor who chairs the Education, Culture and Sport Committee and also sits on the Joint Committee for Children and Young People said "I am very supportive of this current campaign as all the evidence points to the long-term health disadvantages to young people of over consumption and early start into drinking alcohol. There are also plenty of reports showing that teenage drinking is associated with many early pregnancies, disrupting schooling and changing lives forever. Clearly young people need education, but we also need to ensure that all businesses that sell alcohol are following the rules and guidelines that quite clearly set out when offences are being committed. This is about the protection of children and young people and I hope the message gets to any license holders that offences will be dealt with and that we make our area a safe place for everyone."

Anyone who has information relating to the sale of alcohol to minors is urged to contact Police on 01463 715555 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.