1. The law and alcohol – Section 2

2. Learning intention Understand the laws in Scotland about alcohol Understand the laws in Scotland about alcohol

3. Can a person under 18 buy and drink alcohol legally in Scotland? Can a person under 18 buy and drink alcohol legally in Scotland? Can a person over 18 break the law on alcohol? Can a person over 18 break the law on alcohol? Learning outcome By the end of this unit you should be able to answer the following questions:

4. What does the law say? Mostly when young people under 18 buy or drink alcohol they are breaking the law (Licence Scotland Act 1976). Mostly when young people under 18 buy or drink alcohol they are breaking the law (Licence Scotland Act 1976). But a person over 16 can drink beer or wine (not spirits) where drinks are bought as part of a meal. But a person over 16 can drink beer or wine (not spirits) where drinks are bought as part of a meal.

5. Can under 18s be allowed on licensed premises? Children over 14 if they are with someone over 21, but not after 8pm Children over 14 if they are with someone over 21, but not after 8pm Children of the licence holder Children of the licence holder

6. Can anyone over 18 be refused alcohol? Yes – the licensee has the final say and may decide not to let anyone under the age of 18 or even 21 into the premises. Yes – the licensee has the final say and may decide not to let anyone under the age of 18 or even 21 into the premises.

7. Can anyone over 18 break the law on alcohol? Yes, if they sell alcohol to anyone under 18 Yes, if they sell alcohol to anyone under 18 Or if they buy alcohol for anyone under 18 Or if they buy alcohol for anyone under 18

8. Any other laws I should know about ? Under The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 Many local authorities have byelaws, which may forbid the drinking of alcohol in public. Many local authorities have byelaws, which may forbid the drinking of alcohol in public.

9. Police powers The Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Act 1997 This Act provides police with powers to take alcohol from underage drinkers in public places, and from those over 18 who are suspected of supplying alcohol to underage drinkers. This Act provides police with powers to take alcohol from underage drinkers in public places, and from those over 18 who are suspected of supplying alcohol to underage drinkers.

10. Alcohol and driving The Road Traffic Act 1988 (UK- wide) This Act sets the blood alcohol limit – currently 80mg per 100ml of blood – and the penalties for offenders. This Act sets the blood alcohol limit – currently 80mg per 100ml of blood – and the penalties for offenders. This Act applies to all drivers of all ages. This Act applies to all drivers of all ages.