A Practical Guide to Test Purchasing in Scotland

Section 1

1. Introduction

1.1 Local Authorities and Police Forces have responsibility for the enforcement of legislation relating to the sale of age-restricted products such as tobacco, alcohol, knives and fireworks.

1.2 The participation of children and young people in test purchasing operations forms a valuable part of the Local Authority and Police strategies designed to assess and maintain compliance with the legislation that deals with age restricted products ( see Annex 1).

1.3 Test Purchase operations are designed to complement the overall enforcement programme dealing with age - restricted sales and should not be viewed in isolation.

1.4 Increased compliance with age-restricted legislation serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of children and young people and restricts anti-social behaviour in the communities in which they live.

1.5 The Guide will be maintained on the LACORS website and the COPFS website. The Guide will be regularly reviewed to take account of legal developments and updated practices employed by Local Authorities and Police Forces and in consultation with all other relevant agencies. Local Authorities and Police Forces will be advised of any amendments via email notification.