Teenagers in Fife test purchase scheme
3 May 06
Police will use 16 and 17-year-olds to check whether off-licences are law abiding
The Scottish Executive has launched an alcohol test purchasing pilot involving under-18s to help to root out illegal sales and tackle the health problems associated with underage drinking.
The 12 month pilot, run by Fife Police - which begins this summer - will involve 16-17 year olds attempting to buy alcohol at the 900 licensed premises across the region.
The pilot will trial test purchasing procedures so that these can be developed for use by all Scottish forces by 2009.
Last September the Lord Advocate for the first time supported in principle the use of under-18s in test purchases in this way.
Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald said: "Binge drinking is a problem for all age groups - not just the young. But underage drinking is illegal as well as harmful, and it is often associated with antisocial behaviour in our communities."