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Offences to combat underage drinking in public come into force

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Michael Matheson

It has become an offence to give or make alcohol available to a child or young person for consumption in a public place following the introduction of new laws.

The provision is part of the alcohol licensing section of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 and is in place to help Police Scotland better tackle outdoor drinking dens.

Other measures that have come into force this week include:

  • A “fit and proper person test” will now form part of the alcohol licensing regime

  • Licensing boards will be required to produce an annual income and expenditure report on their alcohol licensing activities to increase their accountability and transparency.

    • Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The Scottish government has already put a number of measures in place designed to reduce alcohol-related harm, including lowering the drink drive limit and legislating to end multi-buy discounts and the irresponsible promotion of alcohol products.“ measures will strengthen the range of interventions available to further reduce the harm caused by alcohol and help the police to take action against those who distribute it irresponsibly.”

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