A Practical Guide to Test Purchasing in Scotland

Section 2

2. Overview

2.1 Many Local Authorities and Police Forces have adopted test purchase operations as a part of their overall strategy to assess and improve compliance with legislation that controls the sale and supply of age restricted products. Other activities undertaken by Local Authorities to promote and / or improve compliance include:

• Carrying out programmes of education by means of publicity, business seminars, production of guidance material, visits, inspections, etc;
• Implementation of Proof of Age Schemes, many of which are now PASS¹ accredited.

2.2 It is acknowledged that decisions around specific enforcement policies and actions will necessarily reflect local needs and priorities. This Guide is intended as a basis to assist in such local decision-making. It is expected that all enforcement activities should be reasonable and proportionate given the circumstances of each individual case and that such activities should only be undertaken in order to secure compliance with the legislation and not for any other purpose.