WSTA blasts Ministers’ proposals for solving alcohol abuse

The WSTA has criticised the Scottish Government’s plans to tackle alcohol misuse, urging Ministers to back stronger enforcement of current legislations rather than playing politics.

The Government’s proposals to deal with alcohol misuse include raising the minimum age for alcohol purchases in shops to 21, rising the price of alcohol by imposing minimum pricing and banning retail promotions.

Commenting on the proposals, WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "It’s time to focus our attention on the real problem rather than punish everyone in Scotland. We need targeted enforcement and education. Telling hard-pressed consumers they must all pay more because a minority abuse alcohol is unfair and it won’t solve the problem."

In its submission to the Scottish Government’s consultation on alcohol, the WSTA presented evidence to ministers of how each proposal is flawed.

In the submission, the WSTA highlighted statistics that few under 18s are prosecuted for buying alcohol. It also quotes data from leading retailers  reporting that people most likely to take advantage of promotions are over 45 years of age and from high socio-economic groups, not the under-25 age group most commonly associated with alcohol abuse.

In place of the Government’s proposals and following a successful trial in Cambridgeshire, the WSTA recommends Community Alcohol Partnership schemes. The schemes involve the co-operation of local off-licences, police, local authorities and schools in an effort to tackle alcohol misuse effectively.

Jane Parkinson 04/09/08