Wendy Backs Campaign to Tackle Underage Alcohol Sales

Wendy Alexander is backing a campaign launched by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) which aims to tackle under age sales of alcohol in Scotland. 

The poster campaign, called Challenge 21, will target 1,500 SBPA member pubs across Scotland.  It highlights the fact that if a customer is believed to looks under 21 they should now expect to be asked for a form of identification to prove that they are over 18 before they will be allowed to buy alcohol in a bar. 

The campaign was launched by the Association in the Scottish Parliament at an event attended by cross party MSPs. The Paisley North MSP said:

 “I am delighted to lend my support to the Challenge 21 campaign. Anti-social behaviour in Renfrewshire is often caused by underagers intoxicated by alcohol they have obtained illegally.   

“If this campaign stops some of these sales and helps hold those licensees making illegal sales to account then I am confident it will make a difference to the lives of my constituents”. 

Patrick Browne, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association added: “The Challenge 21 initiative highlights the fact that ‘if you are lucky enough to look under 21 you will be asked to prove that you are over 18 when you buy alcohol’.  Acceptable forms of proof are: photocard driving licence, passport or PASS* accredited proof of age card. 

“The poster campaign clearly demonstrates that the trade takes the issue of underage sales very seriously.  It will highlight to those under 18 that they will not be sold alcohol and remind people who work in the trade that implementing a Challenge 21 policy is the best way of ensuring they don’t sell to under 18s”.