MacAskill leads the crusade to outlaw sales of cheap alcohol

Published on Wednesday 30 April 2008 22:20

TACKLING Scotland's alcohol problem and the scourge of under-age drinking has been one of the main crusades of the Scottish Government since the SNP came to power last May.

Kenny MacAskill, the justice secretary, has mapped out plans to clamp down on irresponsible promotions in shops in addition to measures passed by the Scottish Parliament to outlaw cheap deals in pubs.

Proposals have also been unveiled for a "polluter pays" scheme that would see supermarkets and off-licences forced to pay a levy to meet the cost of drink-related problems in local communities.

Ministers and officials have become increasingly convinced that retailers are fuelling crime and anti-social behaviour by selling cheap liquor. The levy would raise millions to be spent by local licensing boards on projects to deal with the consequences of binge drinking, such as "drunk tanks".

The Scottish Government is drawing up a long-term alcohol strategy. Ministers are thought unlikely to push for a general raising of the current 18 age limit as they believe drinking in the controlled surroundings of a pub or hotel is not such a problem.

But a higher age limit of 21 on buying booze from off-licences and supermarkets is being seen as a way of helping to tackle the problem of binge-drinking and anti-social behaviour. Holyrood also wants to set minimum prices for every drink, based on alcohol content, in an attempt to outlaw "cheaper-than-water" discount deals.

Cheap, strong ciders and high-strength continental lagers, often seen by under-age drinkers as the tipple of choice to get drunk quickly, are among those likely to see the biggest price rise.

Industry insiders predict the move to ban cheap drink deals will fail. They say suppliers will continue to have promotional budgets and will simply find new ways of spending them.

One possibility is that suppliers and supermarkets will cut alcohol prices across the board.

However, Mr MacAskill has accused major supermarkets of "playing games" and seeking to "evade their responsibilities".

A recent Home Office study revealed that almost three- quarters of under-age drinkers in deprived areas get their alcohol from three main sources .

The survey showed 52 per cent obtain alcohol from supermarkets or corner shops and 22 per cent from family members.