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Clubs united against underage entry
23/12/2008
Edinburgh's clubs are uniting against underage entry with a campaign designed to stop young people from trying to gain access with fake or false ID.
The "Is it worth it?" campaign was launched today by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and David Edge from Unight - a partnership of nightclubs in Edinburgh city centre. It will see staff work with schools and youth clubs to raise awareness as well as using posters in clubs, schools and other public places.
The campaign will spell out the risks for young people caught trying to use fake or false ID, including being barred from every nightclub in Edinburgh until six months after their 18th birthday and potential police involvement.
Mr MacAskill said:
"We've already seen the unight initiative deliver results and help to make Edinburgh safer for those enjoying the city's clubs. The is it worth it? campaign is the next step, focussing on educating young people about the dangers and consequences of attempting to get into clubs using fake or false ID.
"This is a good example of responsible licensees working with the police and the wider community to try and dissuade young people from attempting to get into clubs, to encourage parents to make sure their kids aren't trying to get into clubs and ultimately to enforce the law.
"I doubt anyone in Edinburgh and the Lothians wants to celebrate their eighteenth birthday while barred from all of the clubs in the city centre. The message is clear - don't risk being banned, wait until you're old enough to get in legally."
David Edge from Unight said:
"Since the formation of Unight, almost a year and half ago, we have developed policies and procedures to tackle the big issues affecting nightclub operators today with the long term aim of helping make Edinburgh the safest city in the UK. Having made great progress in terms of Data Sharing, Illegal Fly Posting and the Deep Discounting of Drink we now turn our attentions to the Underage Issue.
"This campaign aims to inform potential underagers of the serious consequences of getting caught using fake or false ID and it is our aim to provide this information to all the schools in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife.
"By working in partnership with L & B police, Young Scot and the Scottish Government we have developed the 'Is It Worth It?' campaign to share this information with those most affected by it."
Inspector Gordon Hunter, from the Licensing Unit at Lothian and Borders Police said:
"The Is it worth it? campaign is yet another example of how police are working together with partners to create a safer environment for everyone using Edinburgh's night-time economy.
"The campaign will build on the success of the Unight initiative, which has had a significant impact in reducing criminality at premises where the licensees have signed up to the scheme.
"By working together with licensees, and with the backing of the Scottish Government, Lothian and Borders Police will continue to enhance Edinburgh's reputation as a safe place to enjoy a night out."
Graeme Robertson, Managing Director of Young Scot, said:
"The Young Scot NEC card is all about giving young people improved access to the opportunities they are entitled to. We've worked hard with the Scottish Government, Trading Standards, the Police, major trade and retail organisations and young people themselves to make sure that the PASS hologram featured on our cards is recognisable, reliable and trusted. We're delighted that Unight is now supporting the use of PASS as a valid sign of proof of age in their clubs throughout Edinburgh."
The Unight scheme aims to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone to enjoy Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife. Anyone caught breaching Unight policy will be banned from all Unight premises for a set period of time. In addition, anyone caught committing a criminal offence will be robustly dealt with by Lothian and Borders Police.