Scots are being urged to make their views on alcohol and the effect it has on society known before the Government’s official consultation on tackling alcohol misuse closes in less than two weeks.
 

Public Health Minister Shona Robison made the call today and said the Government would not be afraid of taking strong action in order to tackle a drinking culture that sees 114 Scots admitted to hospital every day for alcohol related reasons.

Measures the Government is considering include introducing a minimum price per unit of alcohol, raising the age for off-sales purchase and ending ‘irresponsible promotions.’

Robison said:

“Our proposals for getting to grips with alcohol misuse have sparked a lively debate across Scottish society. It's clear that many people are very concerned about the heavy toll rapidly-rising alcohol consumption is taking on our country.

“This Government has taken the bull by the horns and put forward radical measures to rebalance Scotland's relationship with alcohol, because we don't want to see future generations suffer because of the way we're drinking now. We believe it's time for action. But we want the Scottish people to understand where we're coming from and tell us what they think. That's why I want to encourage people across Scotland to respond to the consultation before it closes on September 9.”

A Holyrood Event - Scotland’s dysfunctional relationship: Alcohol and violence October 6