ALCOHOL DEATH RATE SHOWS NEED FOR RADICAL ACTION

ALCOHOL DEATH RATE SHOWS NEED FOR RADICAL ACTION

SNP ALCOHOL PLAN CAN TACKLE DRINK-DEATH RATE

Commenting on new research showing that alcohol-related illnesses could be killing one in 20 Scots - twice as many as previously thought – SNP MSP Angela Constance, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee, said it underlined the importance of the SNP Government’s ambitious plan to tackle Scotland’s booze culture.

The figures show that alcohol consumption played a part in nearly 3,000 deaths in 2003.

Ms Constance said these figures provide further evidence of the damaging impact of alcohol at all levels in Scottish society. She said:

"Scotland needs to take a long hard look at our relationship with alcohol and adopt the radical action we need to tackle this problem.

"Alcohol abuse is costing our public services £2.25 billion, and much more in terms of human misery as these figures starkly demonstrate.

“These disturbing figures underline exactly why the Scottish Government have brought forward tough new measures to tackle Scotland’s problems of alcohol misuse.

"It is vital that Parliament back the full range of proposals to tackle Scotland's drinking culture, including minimum pricing, a ban on discount promotions, a duty on licensing boards to consider raising the off-sales purchase age to 21, and a social responsibility fee for some retailers.

"Our society cannot afford for politicians to waste time arguing over this, we need to work together to take radical action now.

“Together these proposals can protect and discourage people from the curse of alcohol misuse and change Scotland’s relationship with alcohol for the better.

“The SNP Government has more than trebled investment in tackling alcohol misuse over the next three years because the SNP recognise the scale of the damage caused by alcohol misuse to individuals, families and communities.

“If we all unite in opposition to the dangers of alcohol Scotland will have what it takes to lift us out of these depressing figures.”