Tories show their cards on under-21 alcohol ban

Published on Saturday 4 October 2008 20:02

THE Tories yesterday stepped up their campaign against controversial Scottish Government plans to ban under-21s from buying alcohol in off-sales with a new postcard campaign.

The Conservatives are direct mailing 10,000 18-year-olds in marginal constituencies across the country. It comes after MSPs rejected the Scottish Government's plans to increase the age for buying drink in supermarkets and off-licences from 18 to 21 in a Holyrood vote.

The postcard carries the message: "Are you still a kid at 19? The SNP seems to think so. If you are 18 to 21 the SNP Government thinks that you are not responsible to buy alcohol in any off-licence."

And it urges teenagers to "campaign to stop the SNP Government getting their way".

The Tories' postcard also points out: "In Scotland by the age of 18 you can vote, join the army and go to war, own and drive a car, buy a house, get married, have children and lots, lots more. But the SNP Government think you shouldn't be allowed to buy a six pack of beer or a bottle of wine."

Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser explained why they were carrying out the mail campaign and said: "Despite the comprehensive defeat it suffered on Thursday, the SNP Government is still determined to press ahead in some form with the criminalisation of those under the age of 21 who want to purchase alcohol from off-sales.

"The Scottish Conservatives want to see a mature and reasoned debate around Scotland's relationship with alcohol. It is our view, a view now endorsed by the Scottish Parliament, that the Scottish Government's proposals are ludicrous, discriminatory and not addressing the fundamental issue."

A spokesman for Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "The Tories' soft touch approach to tackling Scotland's booze problem is a big blunder. They are putting themselves on the wrong side of the argument in communities the length and breadth of Scotland, and trivialising a serious issue."