BRANDING for a campaign to target under-age drinking in the Parkhead area of Glasgow is being changed because it was feared the orange and blue colours could cause offence.

A series of blue and orange posters have been produced with powerful messages urging shop owners and members of the public not to supply minors with alcohol. 

READ MORE: Adults who buy alcohol for minors targeted in new campaign in Glasgow's East End

However, sources close to the campaign said more posters and other branded items including balloons, pens and wallet cards are now being produced in green because it was feared the colours could provoke a sectarian-related backlash. 

Local people were used for the campaign branding, which includes a mother and the message: “Thanks for not buying my son alcohol” and a young boy who says: “I got home safe because you didn’t buy me alcohol.”

READ MORE: Adults who buy alcohol for minors targeted in new campaign in Glasgow's East End

A campaign source said: “They realised they were all blue and orange and might cause offence. They are now making more in green.

“Only in the West of Scotland would you have to do that.” 

In 2008, it was reported that the sandwich chain Subway had changed its traditional signage from green to black in Larkhall and the local pharmacies had switched their frontage to blue.

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow  and Clyde said: “Discussions were held with young people regarding their preferences on colour options for campaign materials which resulted in the campaign materials in two colours – blue and orange. 

READ MORE: Adults who buy alcohol for minors targeted in new campaign in Glasgow's East End

“Additional funding has become available in this financial year allowing the expansion of the range of materials as part of the rollout of the CAC in additional areas across Glasgow City. This means the campaign materials are now available in three colours blue, green and orange and these resources will be displayed collectively in all target areas including the north-east sector, north-west sector and south sector.”

The six-month booze crackdown  is being launched to coincide with the start of the school holidays, aimed at reducing the “accessibility and acceptability” of alcohol with a focus on off-sales. 

READ MORE: Adults who buy alcohol for minors targeted in new campaign in Glasgow's East End

The Parkhead area was chosen after 82 per cent of people in the community responded to surveys saying alcohol was an issue in their area and 74 per cent were concerned about anti-social behaviour. 

It will include test purchases, increased police and CCTV patrols, training for shop owners and street work. After six months the results will be evaluated and the campaign may be rolled out to other parts of the city. 

Anyone caught buying alcohol for a minor faces a fine of up to £5000 and a three-month jail sentence.

The campaign is a partnership between Police Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Life and Community Safety Glasgow.