The Scottish Government is to press ahead with plans for a minimum pricing to stop alcohol being sold for "pocket money prices".
The Government today published its plans for tackling alcohol abuse, which also include a ban on selling alcohol as a loss-leader, a ban on three-for-two promotions and local flexibility to allow licensing boards to raise the off-trade purchase age to 21. There will also be local powers to force venues to pay for policing under a "social responsibility fee".
The plans include:
• Introduce a minimum price for a unit of alcohol to stop strong drink being sold for pocket money prices.
• Establish a legal obligation on licensing boards to consider whether alcohol-related problems in their area warrant an off-sales purchase age of 21, with local police Chief Constables able to request this at any time.
• Ban off-sales promotions such as 'three for two' and cut-price offers, which encourage bulk buying and over-consumption, and ban selling alcohol as a 'loss leader'
• Restrict the display and marketing of alcohol products to specified areas in off-sales premises
• Put in place the legal power to introduce a Social Responsibility Fee for some retailers, with details to be developed with stakeholders over the course of this year.
"Plummeting prices and aggressive promotion have led to a surge in consumption, causing and adding to health problems ranging from liver and heart diseases to diabetes, obesity, dementia and cancers," said health secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
"The time has come for serious action. It is no longer an option for anyone to simply talk about the problem of alcohol misuse but shy away from the action needed to tackle it, so I hope all Parliamentarians and others who care about Scotland's health will support the measures outlined today.
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill added: "Cheap, readily available alcohol is fuelling violent crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as taking its toll on our economy and health service. That's why we are taking action to ban irresponsible promotions and make sure alcohol is sold at a sensible price that reflects the strength of the product.
"I believe this is the right package of measures to make a real difference and change Scotland's relationship with the bottle for the better."
Those measures which require new legislation to implement will be included as part of the Scottish Government's forthcoming Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill.
Opposition
Trade leaders have already started to voice concerns over the measures, claiming the Scottish Government has failed to listen to the trade.
David Poley, Portman Group chief executive, said: "The Scottish Government is not listening to reason. These plans will punish all drinkers while only scratching at the surface of our drinking culture.
"People who drink to get drunk would not be influenced by these measures. We should be targeting the harmful drinking minority through better education and effective law enforcement. Many people will make healthier choices if they receive accurate information and support.
"Alcohol laws should be enforced properly against people who drink and cause a nuisance. Raising the legal purchase age to 21 is a crazy idea. It is astonishing that some 20 year-old Scots could go to war, smoke and vote but not buy a drink."
Scottish Beer and Pub Association chief executive Patrick Browne said: "Licensees will be disappointed that the
Government is trying to introduce further changes to Scotland's new licensing system with less than six months to go to its introduction.
"That is further uncertainty and cost Scotland's licensed and hospitality industries just don't need given the toughening trading conditions."
Benet Slay, managing director, Diageo Great Britain, added: "We all have a common goal in wanting to combat alcohol related issues in Scotland. However, we are extremely disappointed to see that Government has failed to listen to industry's concerns.
"It is still progressing with sensationalist policies rather than following evidence based ones that will target the minority of Scots that drink irresponsibly. That is short-term politics making a poor attempt at tackling a serious long-term problem."