The Tackling Alcohol Proxy Purchasing Project is an initiative set up by Leicestershire Police, Trading Standards, Guthlaxton College, Leicestershire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Blaby District Council and Harborough District Council.

The T.A.P.P project aims to raise awareness of proxy purchasing to adults, young people and retailers, as well as working to enforce the law and prevent proxy purchasing taking place. A number of campaigns will be happening each year in different areas across Leicestershire, Leicester City and Rutland.

A study by the Portman Group found that almost one third of adults questioned had been asked to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18.

Of those who had been asked, over one third admitted to buying alcohol for someone under 18 (proxy purchase).

The survey also found one in four adults who admitted to buying alcohol for someone under 18 said that they did not know it was an offence.

A further 30% of those who admitted to buying alcohol for under 18s said that they had done so because they had felt intimidated. 30% also said that they didn't think it would do any harm.

38% of those who had purchased alcohol on behalf of under 18s said they had bought it in a convenience store whilst one-quarter (25%) said they had bought it in a supermarket. A further 24% said they had purchased the alcohol in an off licence and 14% in a pub or bar.

14% of those questioned said they thought buying alcohol for under 18s could lead to anti-social behaviour. 17% also said they thought that it could lead to unsafe sex.

Almost 7 out of 10 people questioned said they did not know you could receive an £80 on the spot fine for buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18.

Fact: Purchasing alcohol on behalf of somebody who is under 18 is illegal.

Adults put themselves at risk of

• Getting a fixed penalty notice of £80
• And even a fine of up to a £5000

Under 18s put themselves at risk of

• Getting fined for knowingly receiving alcohol from an adult
• Getting involved in anti social behaviour, young people drinking in public place can cause problems in a local community
• Unsafe sex, being vulnerable and also being exploited by older peers or adults