Children are to be used to try and catch shopkeepers selling cigarettes to under-aged young people, Scotland's Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC has announced.
Criminal proceedings will now be based on evidence obtained through the use of children in test purchasing of age-restricted goods. In the first instance, tobacco products will be targeted but there are implications for other goods such as alcohol.
Four areas have been chosen to pilot the scheme - Edinburgh, Moray, Stirling and South Ayrshire - representing urban, rural and small town environments.
Deputy health minister Mary Mulligan said: "The involvement of young people is not an alternative to existing enforcement measures, but it is a valuable extra weapon in the armoury. I believe that the measures will be widely welcomed by all those with an interest in protecting our young people."
The scheme will be advertised over the summer and the test purchasing is due to commence in the autumn.
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