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SGF Calls for Police to get Tough on Proxy Purchasers
2 May 2008
Five weeks into a voluntary ban on the sale of alcohol to under 21’s in off-licences throughout Armadale, the ban has been extended to the nearby villages of Blackridge and Westfield.
At the launch of the scheme, SGF (Scottish Grocers’ Federation), expressed concerns that the ban did not include all licences premises such as bars, clubs and restaurants and therefore felt the scheme was not operating on a level playing field.
Commenting on this latest extension, John Drummond, Chief Executive said,
“The pilot scheme still has one more week to run. We will need to see the full results and discuss the findings with members in the area before agreeing our next steps. However, I understand there has been an increased police presence in Armadale throughout the scheme which will undoubtedly contribute to a reduction in anti-social behaviour and reinforces SGF calls for greater police visibility in our town centres.
“I welcome the news that a 27 year old man in Armadale has been charged with allegedly supplying alcohol to children under the age of 18. There must be tougher enforcement of the law regarding the sale of alcohol, especially proxy purchasing, if the Scottish Government is serious about addressing Scotland’s alcohol culture. Figures for persons proceeded against for proxy purchasing reveal that in 2005-06 only 86 people across Scotland went to court. This is simply not good enough.
“I hope that with the extension of the scheme West Lothian Council invite all licence premises in the pilot scheme area to participate in the ban.”
Scottish Grocers Federation