Shetland businesses reported over allegedly selling alcohol to children
The three businesses, one in Scalloway and two in Lerwick, failed a recent test purchasing operation carried out by officers from Northern Constabulary.
A spokesman for the force said: “Northern Constabulary officers have reported three businesses in Shetland to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly selling alcohol to underagers. Police will be carrying out further test purchase operations in Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland and East Ross during the remainder of October and into November.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Test purchasing powers are used to root out any licensed traders who sell alcohol to minors, adding to alcohol related problems, such as anti-social behaviour, disorder and vandalism.”
He explained: “The scheme consists of a fully briefed teenager (under 18 years of age) entering licensed premises under controlled conditions and in line with ACPOS agreed guidelines to purchase alcohol.
“If the proprietor does not ask the person their age and allows them to purchase alcohol they will be committing an offence, even if their excuse is that they thought they were 18.”
Detective Sergeant Craig Thomson who is leading the operation, said: “In every community, there are public places where groups of youths congregate for the purpose of consuming alcohol. This often results in anti-social behaviour and has obvious implications on the quality of life for the communities.
“Undoubtedly, many of the problems associated with youths can be directly attributed to the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol. We are responding to the needs of our communities by pro-actively tackling this issue at the source, identifying and bringing to justice those who are perpetuating the problem of anti-social behaviour within our communities for the sake of profit.
“It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under 18. It is not just the licence holder who is responsible, but also all the staff working in any licensed premises.”