Drink penalties

The SNP government's proposals on minimum alcohol pricing are due to be defeated by the opposition parties, which are listening to the voice of the people. It is widely recognised that raising the price of alcohol will have zero effect on binge drinking, but will merely penalise sensible drinkers.

We have had the highest prices for cigarettes in Europe with no effect on smokers' habits, even though it is common knowledge that, unlike alcohol, even casual tobacco use causes harm. Binge drinking has to be tackled, and effective solutions should be developed with the co-operation of educational, medical and police authorities to curb this unacceptable social behaviour.

DENNIS GRATTAN

Mugiemoss Road

Bucksburn, Aberdeen