Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill

# Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill Retail workers in Scotland frequently face verbal abuse, threats, and violence from customers, particularly when enforcing age restrictions on the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and other regulated products. This Member's Bill seeks to address the vulnerability of these frontline workers by creating stronger legal protections and support mechanisms. The legislation recognises that despite existing general assault laws, retail workers often lack adequate recourse when subjected to abuse related to their professional duties, and that the current legal framework does not sufficiently deter or address incidents specific to age-restricted sales enforcement. The Bill introduces measures to strengthen protections for retail workers, including provisions that would make it an offence to verbally abuse, threaten, or assault workers in the course of their duties, particularly when enforcing age restrictions. Key mechanisms likely include enhanced sentencing guidelines, improved reporting and support procedures for affected workers, and measures to raise awareness of workers' rights. The legislation would also establish clearer responsibilities for retailers to implement training and safety procedures. As a Member's Bill rather than Government legislation, its progress through the Scottish Parliament depends on securing sufficient support and parliamentary time for consideration.

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