Over 21 off-sale plan slammed

Proposals to up the legal age for buying alcohol in supermarkets and off-licences in Scotland to 21 have been met with criticism.

The move is expected to form part of discussions leading to the Scottish government's strategy on alcohol which will be announced this summer.

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "Scotland has quite a complex relationship with alcohol. It's a case of trying to find the best possible solutions to try and tackle it. We're certainly not ruling anything in or anything out."

But industry figures criticised the proposals that would still allow over 18s to purchase alcohol in pubs.

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association described the idea as "nonsensical".

"People don't have much difficulty getting access to alcohol from friends and family so I don't quite understand what difference raising the age is going to make," he said.

And Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said it would do nothing to tackle binge-drinking.

"To be in an environment where alcohol is, is the best way in my opinion to educate responsible drinkers of the future. To push it (the age) back is nannyish and probably counter productive."

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, added: "At first it sounds good, but under 21s will still get the alcohol and the pubs will still get the blame.

"There's nothing wrong with people drinking at 18. You can go to war at 18, but you're not a fit person to buy alcohol. That's a worrying message," he said.

Other proposals being discussed include setting prices for drinks based on alcohol content.