Concern at 'haste' of Scottish test-purchasing scheme

Trade bodies in Scotland have expressed reservations about a lack of consultation and hasty roll out of a national test-purchase scheme.

The Scottish Executive is extending the initiative to the whole of Scotland from May 1, following an interim evaluation of a pilot scheme in Fife. The pilot has set out guidelines for allowing 16 and 17-year olds to buy alcohol as test purchasers.

However, trade bodies are concerned at not being formally asked to be part of the Expert Working Group (EWG) who are spearheading the initiative, and feel that the scheme is being rolled out too quickly.

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said "Introducing this scheme in two months is very ambitious."

"We're a bit concerned that the announcement was made without any consultation from the industry," he added.

"They are going to have the address the issue. Pubs will have a lot to say, and I hope that they broaden out the membership (of the EWG) to reflect this."

Paul Waterson, the chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "We've no problem with the principle, but the problem is the haste.

"We think it would have been far better to bring it in 2009 after the European Licensing laws."

He added: "Local councils will have their own interpretation of the rules, and there needs to be a consistent national proof-of-age scheme."

Harry Macrae, licensee of the Seaforth, Ullapool said that "applying more test-purchasing to off-licences could make a massive difference".

He added: "If kids have £5 in their pocket, they're not going to come to a pub and spend £2.50 on a pint and risk getting caught. Their going to go to the supermarket and get five or six for their money. I really don't think it will make that much difference to publicans."