Scotland Crimestoppers is working with Fife Police, Fife Alcohol Partnership Project (FAPP) and Diageo on a four week targeted campaign to raise awareness that buying alcohol for under 18’s is an offence.

In a study carried out for the Fife Alcohol Partnership, a quarter of school pupils in Fife reported binge drinking.

NHS Fife recorded 178 under 16 admittances to A&E units in Fife with an alcohol related issues in 2008/9.

Underage drinking and anti-social behaviour

Underage drinking not only has serious health implications for young people, it leaves them vulnerable and often a major contributory factor to anti-social behaviour which impacts all members of the community.

The campaign launched on Wednesday 19 January and highlights the implications of buying alcohol on behalf of a young person and that by doing so you will be committing a criminal offence that could result in a fine of £5000.

Tell Crimestoppers who's buying or selling young people drinks

The campaign urges members of the public to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with information on who is selling alcohol to under 18’s or buying it for them. You can also give via our anonymous online information giving form.

The message will be delivered by a four-week radio campaign as well as visual material, including posters. The message will also be on Fife Constabulary’s Ad Trailer which will undertake a tour of Fife. This programme has been made possible by Diageo.

Crimestoppers: a safe way to pass on information

Kate Johnston, Scotland Crimestoppers National Manager, said: “We're appealing to members of the public, in particular to residents of Fife to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers with information about who is supplying alcohol to under 18’s.

"Crimestoppers is a safe way to pass on information about crime or criminals because it is completely anonymous. Calls are never traced or recorded and we will never ask for the caller’s identity. It acts as a completely safe conduit for passing information to the Police and other law enforcement agencies."