19 June 2008
The Scottish Government has come under fire from the drinks industry and opposition political parties after unveiling radical plans to curb Scotland's binge-drinking culture.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced on June 17 details of a consultation paper that proposes raising the minimum age for off-sales alcohol purchases to 21; setting a minimum price at which a unit of alcohol can be sold; ending cut-price promotions; and introducing a 'social responsibility fee' for some alcohol retailers to help pay for the consequences of abuse.
Large off-sale premises would be required to have alcohol-only checkouts. Sturgeon also confirmed a 'record' £85m increase in alcohol prevention, treatment and support services, bringing total spending on these measures to £120m over the next three years.
The minister said the cost of alcohol misuse to the health service, justice services and to the economy was growing. 'The cost to our families, our communities and our society is incalculable,' she added.
But critics of the measures claimed the proposals could lead to sharp rises in the price of some wines, spirits and beers.
The director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, Fiona Moriarty, said: 'At a time when customers' finances are under severe pressure, it's incredible that the Scottish Government believes voters will thank them for using the force of law to push up prices.'
Some legal experts warned that the plans could breach European Union competition laws.
The Liberal Democrats described the proposals as 'misguided', saying they would stigmatise all those aged between 18 and 21.
The Scottish Tories said priority should be given instead to applying existing laws on under-age sales. Scottish Labour said enforcement against those who were currently breaking the law must be central to any strategy.
PFjun2008
