Crown relaxes stance on child enforcers
27 Sep 05
Children to be used to detect alcohol sales to under-18s
The Lord Advocate, Colin Boyd QC, today announced his agreement in principle that test purchasing of alcohol by young people under 18 should take place to assist enforcement of licensing laws.
Until now the Crown has declined to take this approach in relation to alcohol purchases, owing to concerns for the welfare of the young people who might be involved, even though in February this year prosecution policy was revised to allow for similar test purchasing of tobacco, fireworks and other age restricted goods.
However following further work by Crown Office officials and others, and consultation with police chiefs and the Scottish Children's Commissioner, the Lord Advocate is now satisfied, in principle, that test purchasing "would be an effective means of enforcing the law in this area".
Mr Boyd said: "It is vital that young people are protected from those who are willing to break the law for profit, by selling alcohol to people under the age of 18. The consumption of alcohol by young people poses a clear threat to their own health. It is also identified by ACPOS as a clear factor in crime and disorder in many of our communities.
"The welfare of children and young people used in any test purchasing of alcohol remains of prime concern. Test purchasing of alcohol has additional welfare concerns, which are not factors in the test purchasing of other age restricted goods, due to the type of premises which would be visited. I have asked my officials to carefully consider the most effective means by which the safety of those involved in test purchasing of alcohol can be ensured."
The Scottish Executive announced that it would bring forward full proposals and an amendment to the Licensing (Scotland) Bill at stage 3 to allow for test purchasing of alcohol, which ensures that the primacy of welfare of children and young people involved is addressed.