Under-21 off-trade ban sees drop in crime

A pilot scheme in Scotland banning under-21s from purchasing alcohol in shops has led to a 40% reduction in anti-social behaviour.

Scottish health minister Shona Robison visited the Stenhousemuir "Stop the Supply" project, in operation since April, as the Government's own consultation to introduce a national ban on off-trade sales to under-21s and a minimum price on alcohol ends today.

In Stenhousemuir, minor breaches of the peace are down 40% on last year with minor assaults down 30% and serious assaults down 60%.

"The dramatic results from 'Stop the Supply' show what can be achieved when communities take bold steps to tackle alcohol misuse among young people," said Robison.

"While the majority of our young people are responsible and don't misuse alcohol, there is a significant minority who cause a disproportionate amount of crime and anti-social behaviour, often under the influence of alcohol. We cannot ignore that.

"The Scottish Government has spent the last few months consulting on our radical plans to tackle alcohol misuse, which include a minimum price for a unit of alcohol, raising the off-sales purchase age to 21, ending irresponsible promotions and a social responsibility fee for some retailers.

"Taken together, we believe these measures could help bring about the long-term cultural shift needed to re-balance Scotland's relationship with alcohol.

"As a society, we're consuming more and more alcohol and the 'clear-up' costs across society are estimated at £2.25bn per year."

However, over 10,000 people have signed a petition against the under-21 restriction organised by the Coalition Against Raising the Drinking Age in Scotland.

"It's ludicrous that you can get married, buy a house, join the army and fight on the front line - but you can't buy a bottle of wine to have over dinner with friends," said spokesman Tom French.

"Alcohol can fuel anti-social behaviour, but not everyone who drinks wants to smash a window, throw a brick or hit someone round the head. We need to get to the root of the problem."