Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to permit the confiscation of intoxicating liquor held by or for use by young persons in public and certain other places; and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1997 c. 3 |
| Introduced by | Robert Spink (Commons) Earl of Kinnoull (Lords) |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 21 March 1997 |
Status: Current legislation | |
| Text of the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Background
Previously only the purchase of alcohol was illegal by minors, and officers could take no action against a minor in possession of alcohol unless they were committing another offence.
Provisions
The act empowered police officers to confiscate alcohol from the possession of any minors under the age of 18.[1] The act was introduced to close this loophole and allow officers to seize alcohol in a minor's possession and create an offence for any person who fails to comply with a request to confiscate. Refusal to comply with a request to confiscate can attract a fine of up to £500.[2] The act can also be applied to a person over 18 if the officer believes that the person intends to supply a minor with alcohol in their possession.[3]
The Act only applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
References
- ^ "Children and drink: What's legal?". BBC News. 27 April 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
- ^ "Armagh: Alcohol seized from underage teenagers on 'formal' buses". BBC News. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
- ^ "Understanding PCSO powers". Open Learning. Retrieved 13 February 2026.