Alcohol Bill - Response

01/02/2010

The Scottish Government has introduced an Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill that will tackle drink-fuelled violence and health problems.

The main purposes of the Bill are to:
- Introduce a minimum sales price for a unit of alcohol (sections 1 & 2 of the Bill).
- Introduce a restriction for off-sales on supply of alcoholic drinks free of charge or at a reduced price (section 3). e.g. no more buy one get one free type offers
- Make provision in law with respect to the sale of alcohol to under 21s (section 8).
- Restrict the location of drinks promotions in off-sales premises (section 4).
- Introduce a requirement for licence holders to operate an age verification policy (section 5).
- Make provision in law for a social responsibility levy on licence holders (sections 10 & 11).

However Labour have already stated that they will not support minimum pricing for alcohol and it is feared that this may be defeated by opposition parties.
Jack Law, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: "Alcohol Focus Scotland is profoundly disappointed at the position Labour has taken in advance of evidence to the Health Committee. This flies in the face of all the advice and evidence from Public Health and other experts who have to deal with alcohol related harm. Establishing a minimum price for alcohol is the most important element of the range of proposals the Government is proposing in the Alcohol Bill, and its rejection by Labour is a major blow which could set back our attempts to make a positive change to Scotland's drinking culture.

"If the Parliament decides to reject minimum pricing, Alcohol Focus Scotland is committed to continue this campaign as we believe that this is the single most important thing to do."

To read the bill please click here

Updated 01/02/2010
Click the link below to read the full response from Alcohol Focus Scotland regarding the Alcohol etc., (Scotland) Bill
Alcohol Bill (Scotland) - Alcohol Focus Scotland's response