Police powers will not be used to search youngsters for alcohol

Police will not be given new powers to search young people for alcohol after overwhelming opposition from children’s groups.

The Scottish Government has concluded there is not enough evidence “at this time” to support the measure following a public consultation on the issue.

Of the 115 respondents who expressed a view, 52% agreed that allowing police to search a child or young person for alcohol “was an appropriate way to reduce risks to safety and wellbeing caused by possessing and consuming alcohol in public”, compared to 43% who disagreed.

However, national children and young people’s organisations that responded were unanimously opposed to the measure.

Concerns expressed included a lack of evidence to support the need for the new power, the adequacy of existing police powers, the implications for children’s rights and the potential negative impact on relations between the police and young people.

Policing organisations were split on the issue, with the submission from Police Scotland calling for an assessment to be carried out at least six months after the introduction of a new stop-and-search code of practice and associated legislation “to establish if a power of search is necessary”.

The Scottish Government said more evidence would be gathered for 12 months after the code comes into force next year before the policy is reviewed again.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “We know stop and search can be a valuable tool in combating crime but it is important that we get the balance right between protecting the public and the rights of individuals.

“Maintaining trust between the police and the public is an important part of finding that balance and we have been listening to people’s views, including young people, about when and how stop and search should be used.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.