Police Scotland is preparing to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at tackling underage drinking and reminding adults that buying alcohol for children is a criminal offence.

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign will begin at the start of the summer holidays and will run in communities across Scotland with support from retailers, supermarkets and alcohol industry partners.

The initiative focuses on so called proxy purchasing, where adults buy alcohol on behalf of people under the age of 18.

Police say the practice continues to contribute to underage drinking, anti social behaviour and disorder in communities across the country.

The campaign will highlight the legal consequences of supplying alcohol to minors, with offenders potentially facing a fine, a prison sentence or both.

While awareness of the law has improved in recent years, officers say the problem has not disappeared.

Police Scotland recorded a number of detections linked to proxy purchasing during last year’s campaign, underlining the continuing challenges faced by communities and retailers.

Throughout the summer, information will be displayed in stores and public spaces to encourage people to think twice before purchasing alcohol for young people.

The campaign is a partnership between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant said:

“This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.

“Awareness of the criminality of proxy purchase has increased in recent years, since the campaign launched, with reports being made by both retailers and members of the public.”

Retailers across Scotland are also backing the initiative.

Luke McGarty, Chair of the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Scottish Grocers Federation, said:

“Retailers are determined to stop underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol. Our members are robust in ensuring that under 18s can’t buy alcohol from their stores, so our communities need to support these efforts and be aware of the consequences of proxy purchasing.

“The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Community groups are also playing a role in spreading the message.

Tam Cassidy of Community Alcohol Partnerships said:

“As the school summer holidays approach, the campaign is a timely reminder to everyone about the consequences of buying alcohol for children and about the impact that underage drinking can have on our communities.

“That’s why we will be working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, to make sure we highlight the campaign in all the work we will be doing in local communities over the summer holidays and beyond.”

The campaign will officially launch on 29 June and run throughout the summer holiday period.