Menu
02/03/2009
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
The strategy was launched by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill with minimum pricing and local flexibility to ban off-sales to under-21s among its key elements in tackling what health experts regard as Scotland's most pressing public health concern.
The Scottish National Party said radical steps must be taken to crack down on Scotland's alcohol abuse problems, which costs the country £2.25 billion.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Health Secretary, unveild the Government's plans, which follow a consultation on a package of radical proposals to crack down on drink abuse.
These include raising the purchasing age in off-sales from 18 to 21, banning two-for-one offers and some form of minimum pricing structure for alcohol.
Figures show that there are 28,000 victims of alcohol abuse every year in Scotland and an average of six people die from a related illness every day.
Ms Sturgeon said: "Plummeting prices and aggressive promotion have led to a surge in consumption, causing and adding to health problems ranging from liver and heart diseases to diabetes, obesity, dementia and cancers.
"We have listened to those who responded to the consultation and modified our proposals where appropriate. But we remain determined to press ahead with tough policies to tackle alcohol misuse."
However, it is thought MSPs are unlikely to back plans to raise the age of buying drink to 21.
The Tories have described the pricing plans as "horribly flawed" and warned against introducing knee-jerk legislation.
MSPs have already rejected the controversial proposal to increase the age for buying drink in supermarkets and off-licences from 18 to 21, voting by 72 to 47 against the suggestion.
Student campaigners are also opposed to the proposals.
Gurjit Singh, the president of the National Union of Students in Scotland, said students had already organised a 10,000-signature petition against raising the age for off-sales purchases to 21.
"This is really ill thought-out and they don't have any evidence as to how its going to work," he said yesterday.
(JM/BMcC)
The strategy was launched by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill with minimum pricing and local flexibility to ban off-sales to under-21s among its key elements in tackling what health experts regard as Scotland's most pressing public health concern.
The Scottish National Party said radical steps must be taken to crack down on Scotland's alcohol abuse problems, which costs the country £2.25 billion.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Health Secretary, unveild the Government's plans, which follow a consultation on a package of radical proposals to crack down on drink abuse.
These include raising the purchasing age in off-sales from 18 to 21, banning two-for-one offers and some form of minimum pricing structure for alcohol.
Figures show that there are 28,000 victims of alcohol abuse every year in Scotland and an average of six people die from a related illness every day.
Ms Sturgeon said: "Plummeting prices and aggressive promotion have led to a surge in consumption, causing and adding to health problems ranging from liver and heart diseases to diabetes, obesity, dementia and cancers.
"We have listened to those who responded to the consultation and modified our proposals where appropriate. But we remain determined to press ahead with tough policies to tackle alcohol misuse."
However, it is thought MSPs are unlikely to back plans to raise the age of buying drink to 21.
The Tories have described the pricing plans as "horribly flawed" and warned against introducing knee-jerk legislation.
MSPs have already rejected the controversial proposal to increase the age for buying drink in supermarkets and off-licences from 18 to 21, voting by 72 to 47 against the suggestion.
Student campaigners are also opposed to the proposals.
Gurjit Singh, the president of the National Union of Students in Scotland, said students had already organised a 10,000-signature petition against raising the age for off-sales purchases to 21.
"This is really ill thought-out and they don't have any evidence as to how its going to work," he said yesterday.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 June 2009
Alcohol 'Killing One In 20 Scots'
New research shows alcohol-related illnesses could be killing one in 20 Scots - twice as many as previously thought, a new survey has found.
Alcohol 'Killing One In 20 Scots'
New research shows alcohol-related illnesses could be killing one in 20 Scots - twice as many as previously thought, a new survey has found.
26 March 2009
BMA Wants Better Funding For Scottish Alcohol Services
The leader of Scotland's doctors today called for better funding and provision of alcohol treatment services in Scotland. His call came following the publication of the Audit Scotland report, Drug and alcohol services in Scotland. Dr Peter Terry, Chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: "Alcohol kills six people every day in Scotland.
BMA Wants Better Funding For Scottish Alcohol Services
The leader of Scotland's doctors today called for better funding and provision of alcohol treatment services in Scotland. His call came following the publication of the Audit Scotland report, Drug and alcohol services in Scotland. Dr Peter Terry, Chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: "Alcohol kills six people every day in Scotland.
04 May 2011
One Day, 5,500 Patients - Alcohol Costing £28m
According to a survey conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland, on one day in April, alcohol was a factor in more than 5,500 consultations in general practice. This equates to around 1.4 million consultations per year, costing the NHS in excess of £28 million and accounts for six per cent of all GP consultations.
One Day, 5,500 Patients - Alcohol Costing £28m
According to a survey conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland, on one day in April, alcohol was a factor in more than 5,500 consultations in general practice. This equates to around 1.4 million consultations per year, costing the NHS in excess of £28 million and accounts for six per cent of all GP consultations.
15 June 2007
Report identified 'teen sex health crisis'
Alcohol, drugs and promiscuity are fueling a sexual health crisis among Britain's teenagers, a report has claimed.
Report identified 'teen sex health crisis'
Alcohol, drugs and promiscuity are fueling a sexual health crisis among Britain's teenagers, a report has claimed.
18 May 2006
Government action urged on alcoholic parents
An estimated one in eleven children in the UK are living with parents who misuse alcohol, according to a report. Social care charity Turning Point said that children whose parents had alcohol problems often suffered behavioural, emotional and school-related problems.
Government action urged on alcoholic parents
An estimated one in eleven children in the UK are living with parents who misuse alcohol, according to a report. Social care charity Turning Point said that children whose parents had alcohol problems often suffered behavioural, emotional and school-related problems.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
