A new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) is set to launch in Moray this week. The CAP will address the issue of underage drinking in the local community and will hold its official launch on Thursday 29 January in the Gleaner Arena in Elgin.

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CAPs are community-led partnerships which bring together local police, councils, schools, retailers, and community groups. Their primary goal is to reduce underage alcohol consumption and the resulting harms, improving health and well-being, and enhancing the wider community. Partners in the Moray CAP include Elgin Sports Community Trust, Arrows Quarriers, Police Scotland and Aberlour Youthpoint Moray - YP Zone

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It will do this in three ways:

• By working with schools and youth groups, the partnership will help to educate young people about the dangers of underage drinking and equip them to make responsible choices.

• By training and supporting local retailers to enforce the age restrictions on alcohol sale through the ‘Challenge 25’ programme and the prevention of “proxy sales” where adults purchase alcohol for individuals under 18

• By providing positive and engaging activities for young people to reduce the attractions of alcohol-based pursuits.  

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All CAPs are subject to rigorous evaluation which has shown reductions in regular drinking among under 18 year-olds averaging 63%.

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A spokesperson for Elgin Sports Community Trust (ESCT) commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside the other members of the CAP to deliver this essential initiative to our area.

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“The Gleaner Arena will be the first location of what we hope to be a project that spreads all over Moray and we are calling upon other volunteers and potential stakeholders to show your support in any way you see fit. Elgin Sports Community Trust is so much more than just football pitches and the links between all of the community programmes and projects that we are involved with is there for all to see.”

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Constable Stephanie Bayliss said: “Our aim is to help empower young people to have the confidence to make the right decisions around alcohol consumption. We are working with partners to reduce the harm it can cause.

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“Our partnership working aims to educate on the effects of alcohol misuse and promote responsible retailing of alcohol. It will also provide alternative activities for young people, such as free-to-access football sessions in Elgin on Friday evenings.

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“Our work with the community is imperative and we are working to develop further community led initiatives across Moray.

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“This proactive approach to educating young people, providing alcohol-free activities and deterring underage sales, demonstrates how local organisations and retailers are working together to offer support."

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Derek Lewis, Chair of CAP said: “We know that underage drinking can do real harm to young people’s lives, including  to their educational achievements, safety, health and friendships. Community Alcohol Partnerships have shown consistently that they work in reducing these harms and in laying the foundations for a responsible relationship with alcohol in later life.

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That’s why we’re focused on supporting high-harm areas across Scotland, with 34 CAPs already working with local communities to reduce alcohol harm and support young people. It’s very encouraging to see diverse organisations in Moray coming together to take practical action to keep young people safe and educate them about the risks of underage drinking.”

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