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Armadale Alcohol Ban On Under 21’s Raises Many Issues
28 March 2008
Commenting on the introduction of a scheme to be launched in Armadale, West Lothian, from tonight, to ban the sale of alcohol to under 21’s by eleven off licenses on Friday and Saturday evenings for the next six weeks, John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF, said,
“The legal age to purchase alcohol in the UK is eighteen, rather than launching voluntary bans in pockets across the country, I would like more robust enforcement of the current legislation. It is interesting that in Cleveland where a similar ban was introduced, the initiative was supported with an increase in police presence which I would suggest contributed significantly to its success.
“Responsible retailers are very aware of the serious repercussions which can affect them and their sales staff if they do not enforce the law regarding the sale of alcohol. As a result many have adopted a Challenge 21 or in some cases a Challenge 25 policy to ensure that the customer is of a legal age to purchase alcohol.
“This reinforces SGF’s campaign, 100% Proof, which is calling for a national proof of age card which can be used by the 12 to 26 year old age group when purchasing age related products.
“If a ban is going to be successful there must be an even playing field which should include pubs, clubs, hotels and supermarkets as well as off sale retailers.
“Scotland’s relationship with alcohol is complex. I believe the key issue is changing our culture and encouraging awareness of sensible drinking, a process which we are committed to working with Government on as part of its alcohol strategy.”
SGF Make Positive Inroads at Parliament Petitions Committee
8 March 2008
SGF (Scottish Grocers’ Federation) recently met again with the Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee to discuss their 100% Proof campaign.
The campaign is calling for a National Proof of Age Card for all 12-26 year olds that can be used when purchasing age-related products such as tobacco, alcohol and DVDs to avoid confrontation at the cash point.
The petition, which was signed by over 200 retailers, was initially considered by the Petitions Committee in December 2007, when the Committee decided to seek the views of bodies such as the Police and Trading Standards.
The Committee has now written to the Scottish Government, following the broad support for utilising and enhancing the existing Young Scot National Entitlement Card, asking how the Government intends to take this matter forward with the relevant parties.
Commenting, Chief Executive of SGF Ltd, John Drummond, said;
“This is a positive step towards achieving a National Proof of Age Card and I look forward to receiving the Government’s response. In the meantime I would encourage retailers to report all incidents of abuse and violence made towards staff to both the police and SGF for information.
“The more information we have the more successful we shall become at achieving our aim of a culture in Scotland where consumers in this vulnerable age group carry a Proof of Age card to be presented to stores when purchasing age-related products.”
Scottish Grocers Federation