'Don’t Buy It, Don’t Supply It' to prevent alcohol supply to under 18s

A new campaign to prevent adults supplying alcohol to under 18s has launched in the Scottish Borders.

The Don't Buy It, Don't Supply It initiative aims to make people aware that they are committing an offence if they buy alcohol for an underage person and the potential dangers youth drinking can pose.

The campaign will focus around events such as Christmas and rugby season, asking parents to think twice when their child asks them to buy alcohol.

Under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, if an adult is caught supplying or buying alcohol for an under 18, they could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to three months in prison.

If an under 18 is caught by the police with alcohol it will be confiscated. This could lead to serious consequences for the person who supplied or purchased it.

Retailers and licensees also face similar consequences.

Don't Buy It, Don't Supply It is being taken forward by the Scottish Borders Safer Communities Team, incorporating Scottish Borders Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with support from the Borders Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.

Police will carry out a range of activities over Christmas, as all 450 licensed premises in the Borders are provided with information to support the initiative.

The campaign has Police Scotland's full support, who said they will not tolerate underage drinking offences: