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12th May 2008

Proof Of Age A Must Says MSP

Tory MSP Alex Johnstone is calling for a culture change in people's attitudes to being asked for photo identification when purchasing items such as alcohol and cigarettes.

Mr Johnstone said "I believe we have to encourage a 'no proof, no sale' culture, not just among shopworkers, but also among the general public.  When a shop assistant sells alcohol to an underage individual, they are leaving themselves wide open to prosecution which could lead to a substantial fine."

"The other side of this coin however is that shop assistants may hesitate to ask for acceptable forms of identification for fear of suffering verbal or physical abuse.  It fundamentally wrong for shop workers to be placed in such a position, and one way of alleviating it is to work towards a culture where shopworkers should not be concerned about asking for proof of age, and people can expect to be asked for it.  A survey conducted by the Scottish Grocers Federation has revealed some very worrying figures.  From a sample size of just 550 stores 165 incidents of physical violence against staff were recorded. In addition to this, there were 1,600 incidents of other threats to staff, many of these incidents related to alcohol sales or a requirement for proof of age.  The SGF is right to highlight these figures and to express the concerns of convenience store workers about the level of threats, abuse or violence directed at them."

"People must understand that underage drinking often fuels the kind of anti-social behaviour that causes misery among communities.  It also stores up health problems for young people in the future.  There is already some excellent work going on among local authorities and other agencies, but we must do more to encourage partnership working between licensing boards, retailers, the police, local authorities and parents.  We have to instill a 'no proof, no sale' culture that can only be of benefit to communities as a whole."