Youth drinking in the spotlight

POLICE in the area are taking part in a summer campaign on youth drinking. What began as a pilot designed by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership a decade ago, “It’ll Cost You” is running again nationwide, including Dumfries and Galloway. And its message is that buying alcohol for minors could land you with a fine, a jail sentence or both. Police Scotland is working with retailers locally to drive home the stark message that buying alcohol for children, called a 'proxy purchase', is a criminal offence. 'Superintendent Joanne McEwan said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.” Luke McGarty, of the Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol. Our members are robust in ensuring that under 18s can’t buy alcohol from their stores, so it’s vital that customers support those efforts."