Alcohol ban proposal 'a step too far'

CALLS for a ban on alcohol being served at public receptions in a bid to help change Scotland's attitude to drink have been labelled a step too far.

Labour's independent alcohol commission claimed public bodies like the Scottish Parliament and local authorities should set an example by serving only non-alcoholic drinks at their events.

Scottish Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser said the proposal went too far.

The Scottish Whisky Association also dismissed the idea, saying such events were a good setting for the promotion of top Scottish products.

A Scottish Government source said banning alcohol from receptions would not address the problem of binge drinking, and said: "These are the places where people do drink responsibly."

The commission came out against the SNP's minimum pricing plans, but recommended a ban on selling drink at below the "floor price" - the cost of production, plus duty and VAT.

It also called for a ban on sponsorship of sports by alcohol companies.