Responses to the Scottish Government's disputed alcohol strategy were published today, which include mixed views on proposals to increase the legal age for alcohol off-sales and set minimum prices for certain 'problem' drinks.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison argued the Government's plans to be "unashamedly radical" and welcomed the 530 submissions to the consultation, pledging to "take into account all of the views expressed as we develop legislation to address an issue that has an impact on the whole of society".

VisitScotland argued that banning all alcoholic drink promotions could damage the tourism industry, as this may require an end to the display of whisky at distilleries, as well as potentially stopping visitors from taking a "wee dram" at the end of a distillery tour.

FSB Scotland rejected the idea of a 'social responsibility fee' being levied on certain retailers, instead arguing for tougher enforcement for retailers who break existing laws. It also questioned whether it was "an appropriate time" to be raising regulatory costs on small firms.

However, there was broad approval from medical bodies for plans to stop cheap promotional offers on alcoholic drinks, as well as introducing minimum pricing for certain products.

The Edinburgh Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said there "should be no promotions on any alcohol", while specifically arguing that "the sale of alcohol as a loss-leader should be banned". It also supported the proposal "to introduce a significantly higher minimum pricing of all alcohol products in the market".

BMA Scotland gave a similar response to those issues, arguing for "an end to irresponsible promotional activities such as deep discounting, loss leading and 'two-for-one' offers". The medical body also supported minimum pricing, arguing that cost is proven to have a direct relation to alcohol consumption and associated abuse.

Robison added: "Burying our heads in the sand in the face of this information is not an option. We must take action now to reverse the heavy toll excessive alcohol consumption is taking on our nation's health and wellbeing."

However, Scottish Conservative deputy leader Murdo Fraser has said that for the Government to truly take into account the views expressed it must acknowledge parliamentary and popular opposition to raising the legal off-sales age to 21.