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Scotland considers under 21 supermarket alcohol ban

17/06/2008

People aged under 21 in Scotland may not be able to buy alcohol in supermarkets and off licences from next year under new proposals announced today.

The Scottish government has suggested the ban as part of its attempt to reduce the country's alcohol misuse, the cost of which health secretary Nicola Sturgeon described as "enormous and growing".

Other proposals include setting a minimum price at which a unit of alcohol can be sold and ending 'three for the price of two' type promotions.

The government has also proposed that some alcohol retailers pay a 'social responsibility' fee to help pay for the consequences of alcohol misuse and that supermarkets have alcohol-only checkouts so that alcohol is not seen as just another product.

The consultation on the proposals will run until September 9th and if they are given backing it is likely they will become law from September 2009.

Ministers launched the consultation this morning following a six-week pilot trial in Armadale, West Lothian, which they say resulted in a big drop in calls about antisocial behaviour, youth drinking and vandalism.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government is "determined to tackle alcohol misuse".

"I believe this country has so much potential, but we need a healthier relationship with alcohol if we are to maximise it. We all have a personal responsibility to drink sensibly but government also has a responsibility to show leadership," she added.

"We are not anti-alcohol - but we are concerned about alcohol misuse."

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill added: "We can no longer sit back and let alcohol misuse continue to take its shocking toll on our criminal justice system, health service and economy.

"I'd encourage everyone to take the time to get involved, look at these proposals and think about your own alcohol consumption. Together we can help get Scotland's relationship with alcohol back on the level."