Letter: Tories must show strength on alcohol

The chance of a minimum price for alcohol reaching the statute book in Scotland must be enhanced by the Prime Minister's views on the matter south of the Border (your report, 13 August).

David Cameron was speaking about a locally-based policy with councils coming together in an attempt to deal with alcohol-fuelled commotion in inner cities at weekends. But it gives the Scottish Conservatives an opportunity to revise their own opposition to a national minimum price here.

Their support would mean the Holyrood government would be very close to getting the majority it needs. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon is proposing a "sunset" clause which means the whole thing could be reviewed after a sensible period of time. This is a nettle the Conservatives must grasp.

It was interesting that Mr Cameron seemed to be concerned only with the anti- social behaviour aspects of alcohol abuse.

The health issues are real enough in parts of England, including the Greater Manchester area. But they are much more marked throughout Scotland.

That is why a national policy rather than a local one is vital. The time period involved in the "sunset" clause may not be long enough to gauge the impact on health improvement.

It may provide some pointers, though, as well as allowing the police authorities time to assess the impact on dealing with crime and rowdy behaviour. In backing the minimum price the Conservatives have the chance to look statesmanlike and compassionate. They could also make Labour look unimaginative and uncaring about a problem that affects most of their heartlands.

BOB TAYLOR Shiel Court Glenrothes, Fife

I KNOW that the current Scottish Government has the best intentions when it addresses the problem of drinking in Scotland. Mr Cameron is, apparently, advocating the same in various areas of England.

I should point out, however, that there are problem drinks, as much as there are problem drinkers.

I do not find many gangs of baseball cap-wearing youths lolling on park benches drinking gin and tonics or whisky. I think it may be safe to discount draught beers, champagne and most decent Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines from that list.

Am I being a bit premature in echoing Richard Taylor, corporate affairs director of Morrisons, who has stated the blindingly obvious when he says that "shoppers would simply travel to other areas where drink could be bought more cheaply"?

As things stand, now would be a good time to open a cheap booze supermarket in Berwick-upon-Tweed or Carlisle.

ANDREW HN GRAY

Craiglea Drive

Edinburgh