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BP bully boy tactics to derail Scottish booze busters trial criticised
November 20, 2006 10:26 AM
The decision by oil giant BP to launch a legal challenge to Fife's efforts to tackle drink sales to under 18s has been slammed by the Liberal Democrats. If BP is successful it could derail the test purchasing scheme which could scupper attempts to roll it out to the rest of the country.
Lib Dem MP Willie Rennie and Councillor Gerry McMullan have written to Lord Browne, the Chief Executive of BP, to express disgust at the company's bully boy tactics and call on to drop the action. The challenge came after a local BP service station lost its license when it was caught selling drink to children on two separate occasions.
"I am appalled that this company that claims to be a "responsible business" is behaving in such an irresponsible way," said Willie Rennie. "The test purchasing scheme is beginning to bite. It is one of a number of tools that is available to the police to tackle the problem of young people illegally purchasing and drinking alcohol."
"I am pleased that Fife is leading the way but am furious that BP thinks it can tramp all over our pilot scheme. Whilst BP lawyer Andrew Hunter pontificates about "fruits of the poisoned tree" and "BPs human rights" it is his company that are illegally selling alcohol to under 18s. This is appalling behaviour."
Councillor Gerry McMullan, who has a track record for campaigning on alcohol abuse, said "These bully boy tactics are unacceptable. Alcohol abuse by young people is blighting their lives and causing considerable problems with anti-social behaviour."
"For this groundbreaking initiative we have the support of the Executive, Crown Office and other organisations such as Trading Standards and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. BP is out on a limb."
"I would like to see the Scottish Executive and all the ruling bodies challenge BP about their behaviour."
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