Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has challenged supermarkets and UK Government to work with him in his determination to turn around Scotland's problem with alcohol misuse.

MacAskill said: “If the supermarkets are serious about tackling the issue of price then that's a step in the right direction. But talk is cheap - as cheap as the bucket loads of drink they are selling to get folk into their shops.

“There were signs from the Home Secretary earlier this month that the UK Government has woken up to the need to join us in taking action on this issue. I would urge the UK Government to seize this opportunity and to take practical action to stem the tide of cheap alcohol that is having such an impact on our health, our public safety, and our economy. They will have the support of the Scottish Government if they do.

“Governments do have a clear responsibility to tackle this problem, but that doesn't absolve the industry. There are plenty of things they could be doing in the meanwhile that are about the way they behave - not the law. Irresponsible promotions and marketing. The way they place alcoholic product in their shops.

“We've already made clear here in Scotland that we will tackle these issues but if the likes of Tesco are serious about tackling our problems with alcohol why not show us how much? That's why today I am issuing a challenge to them - act now to restrict all alcohol sales to one dedicated part of the shop in every store in the land. They certainly don't have to wait until September 2009 to do that in Scotland.”

MacAskill has already announced that he will bring forward proposals for consultation on banning irresponsible promotions in off-sales and introducing a "polluter pays" levy on those who sell alcohol.

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