SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ALCOHOL PLANS CRUCIAL TO WIN HEALTH BATTLE.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ALCOHOL PLANS CRUCIAL TO WIN HEALTH BATTLE.

MATHESON CONDEMNS "DO LITTLE" LABOUR.

The Scottish Government’s proposals to tackle the problems alcohol causes in our society will help to change Scotland’s drinking culture.

SNP MSP Michael Matheson welcomed today’s announcement by the Scottish Government and condemned the short sighted approach being taken by opposition parties, alcohol and retail sales bodies.

Today’s proposals have been given widespread backing by health and justice experts. Minimum pricing has also been endorsed by the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg and several MPs.

Mr Matheson said;

“Today’s proposals tackle some of the fundamental issues behind our drinking problem – price and availability.

“Health and justice professionals, along with the UK Home Affairs Committee, Lib Dem and Labour MPs recognise that price and availability are key factors when it comes to alcohol misuse.

“Labour and the Tories have failed to come up with a strategy to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland. Today's complaint from Labour is that the SNP is doing too much - a major contrast with Labour's "do little" attitude.

"The best they can offer is to make "Challenge 21" mandatory - something that will happen anyway later this year.

“Labour came late to the SNP’s argument for a smoking ban. I hope they will see sense and support measures to tackle alcohol misuse sooner rather than later.

“It is no surprise that large supermarkets object to losing their loss leading products but that only emphasises the irresponsible use of alcohol as a marketing tool for the retail industry. Opposition parties can not defend that indefensible position.

"We cannot afford another big killer in Scottish society and we can not afford to face a £2.5 billion cost every year as a result of our relationship with booze. It is time for all parties to support Scotland's future and back action to tackle Scotland's booze culture."

More information here!

1. House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, October 2008
“The cheap availability of alcohol in the off-trade is fuelling alcohol-related crime and disorder and under-age drinking”

“We recommend the Government establish as soon as possible a legal basis for banning the use of loss-leading by supermarkets and setting a minimum price for the sale of alcohol.”

2. Private Members Bill - Alcohol Sales Bill

Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North) (Lab):"That leave be given to bring in a Bill to regulate prices charged for units of alcoholic drinks; to regulate point of sale promotions, advertising and labelling of alcoholic drinks; to establish an industry council to administer the regulation of prices and promotions; and for connected purposes." 10 Jun 2008 : Column 162 Supported by Ms Sally Keeble, Dr. Ian Gibson, Dr. Phyllis Starkey, Dr. Evan Harris, Lynda Waltho, Martin Salter, Mr. Don Foster, Margaret Moran, Mr. Charles Walker, Mr. Elfyn Llwyd, Mr. Gary Streeter and Ms Dawn Butler.

3. Nick Clegg (29 Sept 2008) calls for a minimum pricing on alcohol:

"It is unacceptable for retailers, especially big supermarkets, to run a coach and horses through alcohol duties in order to sell alcohol well below its cost.

"The immediate effect of below-cost alcohol is to tempt people to buy a lot more alcohol than would otherwise be the case.

"As a rule, I don't believe governments should set prices, but when
retailers are deliberately distorting the market we need to take action.

"That is why we should now look to the example of Ontario in Canada,
where a socially responsible minimum price for alcohol has been successfully implemented.

"Alcohol related violence, disorder and illness is now one of the biggest problems we face. If supermarkets are not prepared to act responsibly it is time they are forced to do so."