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Tackling under-age drinking
27/09/2011
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today backed efforts to steer young people in Edinburgh away from under-age drinking, ahead of tough new alcohol legislation coming into effect.
Mr MacAskill visited Portobello High School today to observe a project funded by Diageo and run by Edinburgh Unight, a co-operative of Edinburgh pubs and nightclubs who are working together to tackle harmful drinking in the city.
Mr MacAskill joined a group of sixth year pupils as they observed a presentation led by Unight on the subject of under-age entry to pubs and clubs, just days before new legislation comes into force on 1 October that makes it mandatory for licensed premises to have a policy of checking the age of anyone attempting to buy alcohol who looks less than 25 years old.
Mr MacAskill said:
"It is a sad fact that under-age drinking remains a problem for society to face, and equally important that young people realise that under age drinking is dangerous and can land them in difficult situations or bother that may have lasting consequences.
"Edinburgh Unight have already done a lot of good work throughout the city to tackle problem drinking in pubs and clubs and this latest campaign to get the message into schools on the dangers of alcohol and the associated risks is extremely welcome as we bid to steer young people away from the temptation to get their hands on alcohol.
"However, this Government is taking action through legislation. Following a successful trial, the 'Challenge 25' provisions that come into effect on 1 October will help keep retailers within the law by making it tougher for young people to buy alcohol. I welcome the steps the alcohol industry have taken to prepare licensees and the public for the coming changes.
"This is part of several legislative changes that come into effect on 1 October. Restrictions are being introduced to the off-sales trade that will stop retailers offering irresponsible promotions and removes any cost-based incentives in bulk-buying alcohol.
"This is another positive step forward in reducing harmful consumption of alcohol. However, there is a clear link between the price of alcohol and consumption levels which makes tackling the issue of price essential if we are to reduce consumption levels.
"We believe that minimum pricing would be the most effective and efficient way to tackle alcohol misuse as it would effectively target problem drinkers and help them reduce their consumption. That is why we are introducing a Minimum Pricing Bill as a priority."
The 'Is it worth it?' initiative will give every pupil over the age of 16 in Edinburgh the opportunity to see a short film which graphically shows the potential consequences of trying to get into clubs under age.
Led by Unight, the self-regulatory body of Edinburgh's late night licensed premises and Edinburgh University student unions, the scheme has the support of the Scottish Government, Lothian and Borders Police and Education authorities.