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Police forces in Scotland now have the powers to send under-18s into pubs, clubs, supermarkets and off-sales to attempt to buy alcohol. Test purchasing, which has been piloted in Fife since last year, aims to catch and prosecute staff and licensees who sell alcohol to youngsters.

We welcome the extension of test purchasing; it is a useful tool in developing best practice in store. Indeed, many of our members have been using test purchasing for a number of years. However, the public should not be misled into believing that this will solve the problem of under-age drinking.

Until the Scottish Executive commits to a national proof of age card for all 15 to 25 year olds and takes steps to tackle adults who continue to buy booze for kids, youngsters will continue to get their hands on drink.

We promote responsible retailing to all our members and have pioneered No ID, No Sale , refusals registers and Challenge 21 . But alcohol misuse is a societal problem for which we are all responsible. The Scottish Executive must act responsibly by providing every youngster with a proof of age card. Only then will retailers have the confidence to demand proof of age without fear of abuse, intimidation or violence .

Adults and parents must accept their responsibility not to buy alcohol for youngsters. Research shows that many youngsters get their drink from an adult who has bought it legally before passing it on to under-18s.

Politicians who want to act tough on under-age drinking should recognise that retailers are playing their part. Instead of new crackdowns they should be prioritising proof of age and educating adults about the real impact of supplying booze to kids.

John Drummond

Chief executive

Scottish Grocers Federation

(See story, page 6)

Knowledge for schools

BII's groundbreaking Schools Project is a three-pronged initiative which includes a website, quiz sheets and the Certificate in Alcohol Awareness (CAA), designed to give children aged 13 to 16 knowledge about alcohol.

CAA is soon to be piloted at a large, inner city school in London . Pilots should be completed in July and the qualification will then be available to schools . Website, quiz sheets and sponsorship opportunities will be available from June 1.

We have been working on this project for many months and it has been developed in response to governmental pressure on under-age sales and consumption but tackles the topic from a positive, educational angle. There were calls last week to include alcohol education in the national curriculum and this project can aid that.

The industry is part of the community and this project allows our members to get even more involved in their local schools by sponsoring material. We know many of our members are involved in the preparation of school dinners and other initiatives so have positive contact with their local schools, this will build on this .

John McNamara

Chief executive

BII

Fountain of youth

Could I send my congratulations to Chris Calver (OLN, April 20). I hope I look as youthful at over 107 years old.

John Cox

Managing director

Rusts

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