Plan to prevent proxy purchasing of alcohol pilots in Glasgow

Retailers in Glasgow have welcomed a pilot scheme in the city aimed at tackling proxy purchasing of alcohol for underage drinkers.

A new initiative from Police Scotland and several organisations including the NHS, will run for six months – its launch coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays.

The two-pronged campaign aims to reduce both accessibility and acceptability. The former will be tackled through test purchases, training and increased police and CCTV activity, while the latter will come in the form of advertising using local people.

Initially based in the East End’s Parkhead area, it will roll out across the city if deemed a success.

Naresh Gajri of Cranhill Premier Store in Glasgow said: “It’s a big problem here. We’ve installed a camera outside so we can keep an eye on older people being approached by kids outside the shop.

“When children drink around the shop that creates more problems. We try not to sell cheap, strong alcohol either.

We’ve installed a camera outside so we can keep an eye on older people being approached by kids outside the shop

“It’s a good idea as long as they have the manpower and support it.”

Mo Razzaq, of Family Shopper, Blantyre, Glasgow, said it was also a big problem for his store and on a national level.

“Small retailers are penalised for selling alcohol  to underage children alcohol but it’s often agent or proxy purchasing. This is a move in the right direction and it’s definitely an initiative that’s worth supporting,” he added.