We oppose the SNP plan to raise alcohol buying age, says party's student wing

Published on 19/09/2008 21:40

THE SNP's student wing is opposed to the Nationalist government's plan to raise the minimum purchase age for alcohol in off-sales from 18 to 21, it emerged yesterday.

The Federation of Student Nationalists' position was revealed in a debate at the University of Edinburgh attended by SNP education secretary Fiona Hyslop.

It follows the publication earlier this year of the SNP's wide-ranging alcohol strategy.

Caroline Henderson, of the SNP National Executive Committee, said: "I researched it quite a lot myself because I'm the rep on the SNP NEC for the Federation of Student Nationalists, which is actually against the proposals."

The revelation was described by the Tories as an "embarrassment" for justice secretary Kenny MacAskill. And campaigners seized on the comments to bolster their fight against the drink ban plans.

Tom French, co-ordinator for the Coalition Against Raising the Drinking Age in Scotland (Cardas), said: "Surely the SNP must now call time on this daft and discriminatory proposal.

"The student Nationalists are known for their strict loyalty to the party, but it seems that even they cannot bear to support a policy that flies in the face of the evidence, infringes on the rights of the responsible majority of young adults, and is vocally opposed by the majority of Scots."

Cardas said more than 10,000 people had signed a petition against raising the minimum purchase age.