Scotland eyes tough rules on alcohol

With Britain in the grip of a crisis over how to stem underage drinking, the ­Scottish government is ­considering a radical package of measures that could set the pace for policymakers in the rest of the UK.

A ban on irresponsible promotions in outlets such as supermarkets and the introduction of a “polluter pays” levy on those who sell alcohol – to fund measures such as marshals at taxi ranks and additional police on the streets at night – are among proposals drawn up by the ruling Scottish National party.

Kenny MacAskill, justice secretary, told a recent Alcohol Focus Scotland conference that he was determined to tackle the destructive drinking culture by “turning off the tap” of cheap drink.

“From young people rampaging through the streets shouting abuse at passers-by to people dying in our hospitals of alcoholic liver disease – alcohol misuse has a lot to answer for,” he said. “The facts are stark – over 60 per cent of prisoners admit they were drunk when they offended, and six people die every day from alcohol-related illness.”

The initiative comes amid rising public concern about excessive alcohol consumption, particularly by young people. Against a backdrop of intense media coverage of “binge drinking”, the UK government of Gordon Brown, prime minister, has been under pressure to reverse the recent liberalisation of drinking laws.

There have also been calls for greater restrictions on the sale of alcohol and to use taxes to make alcohol more expensive.

In Scotland, the regional government has pressed ahead with changes to licensing regulations that will, from next year, confine alcohol sales to separate ­display areas – in spite of supermarkets’ protests that such measures will restrict consumer choice and place a burden on those filling shelves.

The SNP faces a bigger challenge over its determination to outlaw drink promotions such as “two-for-one” deals. The Scottish Grocers’ Federation said ending multi-pack promotions could lead to shops competing purely on unit price, which could have the effect of lowering rather than raising the price of alcohol.

The regional government is also seeking to curb the number of underage drinkers by rolling out a “test purchasing scheme” in which 16-year-olds attempt to buy alcohol, allowing police to target premises believed to sell to youngsters.

Mr MacAskill said: “Responsible licensees have nothing to fear from this. But those who flout the law will face swift and tough action. Losing their licence and substantial fines are both options.”

To date, 31 councils across Scotland have by-laws banning the public consumption of alcohol. These cover more than 480 towns and villages as well as areas within the city of Glasgow.

Mr MacAskill said: “The 31 councils that have such by-laws in force have paid testimony to their effectiveness in reducing the nuisance and disorder commonly associated with public drinking.”

Financial Times