PEOPLE who buy alcohol for underage drinkers in Clydebank are among those to be targeted as part of a new police campaign.

It’ll Cost You aims to raise awareness of the damage caused - and criminality of - adults buying alcohol for under 18s and comes after a successful pilot scheme.

According to police, asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol.

A recent trial in North Lanarkshire reported a 10 per cent reduction in youth disorder and a 51 per cent drop in reports of children drinking on the street.

In addition to 38 adults being reported for buying alcohol for children, the campaign also led to two stores being reported for repeatedly selling alcohol to under 18s.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Superintendent Hilary Sloan said: “This campaign highlights the multitude of issues which can be caused through underage drinking and by buying alcohol for teens.

“We want to help keep our young people safe from alcohol-related harm, as well as reducing anti-social behaviour and crime in our communities. Additionally, proxy purchasing is an offence, which could result in a prison sentence. The lighter evenings of the summer will see an increase in police patrols around Scotland to reduce attempted purchases of alcohol for under 18s.”

Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000 and could also face a prison sentence of up to three months and a criminal record.

Protecting young people

Ash Regan, minister for community safety, said: “A key objective of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is the protection of children and young persons from harm.

“We remain committed to protecting young persons and children from harm. Young persons are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, whether they are drinking themselves, or being affected by the drinking of other people in their lives. Underage drinking can also cause short and long-term harm to health, as well as put young persons in dangerous situations when drunk.

“That is why I welcome the It’ll Cost You campaign to help create safer communities for us all. The results of pilot initiatives, which the Scottish Government supported, show what can be achieved through strong collaboration and partnership working at a community level.”