NORTHERN Constabulary will be utilising the power of the test purchasing legislation to target unscrupulous licensed traders who sell alcohol to under 18s later this month and during March.
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. Over February and March, Northern Constabulary will be carrying out Test Purchases in the Inverness, the Black Isle and Easter Ross areas.
The powers will be used on an intelligence-led basis to root out licensed traders who sell alcohol to minors, adding to alcohol related problems, such as anti-social behaviour and disorder. The use of test-purchasing initiative aims, together with other areas of pro-active work with youths and youth groups by Police and partners, to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour across Inverness and the Highlands.
The scheme consists of a fully briefed teenager (under 18 years of age) entering a 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.
Inspector Tom Ogilvy, Liaison Officer, said:
“Test Purchasing is a valuable tool in the fight against alcohol fuelled disorder and anti-social behaviour. Our communities are asking us to do something about this type of behaviour and test purchasing is just one of the ways we can respond to those requests. It has been used successfully in a number of areas across the Force in previous months.”
He added:
“Test purchasing will allow us to identify and bring to justice those who are perpetuating the problem of anti-social behaviour within our communities for the sake of profit. The law is quite clear. 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. It’s an offence for anyone under 18 to attempt to buy it. Don’t be offended if you are asked for ID. 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 Police for taking such a firm stance for the benefit of all concerned.”
Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee said:
“We fully support the Police Test Purchasing Programme in shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol. This as an integral part of our joint initiative to address the problem of under age drinking in Highland communities.
“It is essential that we reduce the ability of young people who are underage from being able to access alcohol. While we recognise that most of our shops do adhere to the licensing laws appropriately and responsibly it is vital that the Police are able to target and deal with those that do not. Parents and other adults who may be asked to supply or purchase alcohol on behalf of those underage are potentially placing young people at risk and anyone who witnesses this should report the matter to the Police.”
She added:
“It is only by working together as a whole community that we will address the problems caused by underage drinking.”
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.
Chair: Jim Ferguson
