Jamie Greene MSP says he is backing a campaign to prevent youngsters buying alcohol and tobacco through adults in Irvine.
The campaign, backed by Police Scotland and North Ayrshire Council, was launched over the holidays and focused on youngsters looking for adults to buy on their behalf.
Several shops have signed up to the initiative and have been displaying posters in their windows.
The West Scotland Tory MSP said: “I absolutely welcome this new campaign. Kids drinking and smoking has always been a problem and it’s right that we should take steps to address it.”
“I’m pleased so many shops in the local areas have signed up to this initiative. They will play a fundamental role in preventing kids getting their hands on cigarettes and alcohol in the first place so it’s good that they are taking their responsibility seriously.”
“We have age restrictions on these products for a reason, because they can be extremely dangerous when misused.”
“We should also be looking at the cultural problems in Scottish society that make smoking and drinking in excess the norm and find more we can offer to our youth to deter this behaviour.”
The Council’s Youth Services and Trading Standards team, supported by Police Scotland, will also work with young people to warn them about the potential consequences of their behaviour.
Sergeant Jason Peter, of the Irvine Locality Policing Team, said: "The consumption of alcohol by young people can have a detrimental effect on their health and wellbeing while also making them more vulnerable to crime.
“I would encourage local people to get behind this campaign and report any concerns to the relevant agency and to work with us to keep people safe."
"By working together with our partners and communities we can all make North Ayrshire a better place to live work and visit."