Edinburgh scheme to target under-age drinking

Supermarkets will help train other retailers as part of a “highly innovative” scheme that aims to curb under-age drinking.
A new campaign that aims to tackle the problem in Scotland’s capital is due to be launched.

The East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) aims to educate people about the impact of alcohol abuse.

Sainsbury’s and Scotmid Co-operative have agreed to train other licensed stores on responsible selling practices as part of the scheme, which will also include alcohol education seminars for children and their parents.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the initiative would “undoubtedly play a huge part in tackling under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour”.

One of the campaign’s priorities is to reduce opportunities for under-18s to purchase alcohol, with the City of Edinburgh Council, trading standards and Police Scotland all working with local retailers, schools and youth groups to examine this issue.

Miles Beale, chief executive of Community Alcohol Partnerships, said: “Locally-tailored partnerships, which recognise that retailers and licensees are an important part of the solution have been shown to be highly effective in driving down harm.”

He stated: “I am delighted at the launch of a flagship CAP for Scotland in East Edinburgh. Community Alcohol Partnerships are a tried and tested way of driving down under-age drinking and creating better, safer and friendlier neighbourhoods.”

Mr MacAskill said: “The work of the East Edinburgh CAP will undoubtedly play a huge part in tackling under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour, and I am delighted that such a wide range of partners are involved.

“Alcohol misuse is a scourge on communities across the country and costs Scotland £3.6 billion a year as well has having a terrible knock-on effect on families and communities. Initiatives such as this promote responsible behaviour in young people and deter under-age drinking, which will all ultimately contribute to a safer, stronger and healthier Scotland.”