"Don't Buy It, Don't Supply It" message at Common Ridings and Festivals

A local campaign which raises awareness of the social and health issues related to adults buying alcohol for young people has been supported by the Borders' Common Ridings and Festivals.

Don't Buy It Don't Supply It initiative is reminding adults of new legislation which means if they are caught supplying or buying alcohol for an under 18, they could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to three months in prison.

If an under 18 is caught by the police with alcohol they will have it confiscated which may lead to serious consequences for the person who supplied or purchased it, while retailers and licensees also face serious implications if caught selling to under 18s.

Under 18s from TD1 Youth Hub and Galashiels Academy came up with the Don't Buy It Don't Supply It slogan and provided the poster design which has featured across the Borders during the festive season and rugby sevens circuit in previous phases of the campaign.

The campaign message will be advertised across the Borders again during the Common Ridings and Festivals, while Police Scotland and Scottish Borders Council will also be carrying out a range of proactive activities, starting at Hawick Common Riding this week.

David Houston, Chairman of the Borders Common Ridings and Festivals Committee, said: "We are looking forward to another summer celebrating the Borders' unique traditions and history, which brings our communities together each year.

"We want all followers of Common Ridings and Festivals to enjoy themselves but do so in a responsible manner, which is why we are pleased to support the Don't Buy It Don't Supply campaign."

The campaign is being led by the Scottish Borders Safer Communities Team, which incorporates Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Borders Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and Scottish Borders Council.

Councillor Watson McAteer, Chair of the Police, Fire and Rescue and Safer Communities Board, added: "This campaign has proved worthwhile in raising the profile of the issue of adults supplying or buying alcohol to young people.

"It may seem harmless but can put an under 18 in a vulnerable position and can lead to increased anti-social behaviour in our communities.

"Any adult caught supplying or buying alcohol can also be prosecuted via a fine or even a jail term.

"This can be a particular issue during the Common Riding and Festivals season which is why we are reminding everyone of their responsibilities ahead of what we hope will be an enjoyable summer."

Inspector Tony Hodges, Deputy Local Area Commander, said: "We recognise the importance of Common Ridings and summer festivals to the Borders, but they can present challenges for our officers and local communities such as increased incidents of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.

"We will be proactive throughout the Borders this summer to try to minimise these issues and I believe the Don't Buy It Don't Supply It campaign has a strong message which adults should be aware of, and parents and guardians should actively discuss with young people."

Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health and Chair of the Borders Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, added: "Teenage drinking can have an immediate and long term impact on health and the earlier teenagers start drinking regularly, the greater the risk of problem drinking in adulthood.

"It is really important that adults consider their responsibilities throughout the year, which this campaign highlights."

Anyone wishing to support the Don't Buy It Don't Supply It campaign can download materials from www.scotborders.gov.uk/dontbuydontsupply.