Time for tough action on alcohol

TOO many words and not enough action is being used to tackle alcohol abuse in Scotland, medics in Edinburgh have said.

The British Medical Association has urged the Scottish Government to implement legislation and practical action rather than hard-hitting messages.

Dr Peter Terry, the organisation's chairman, said doctors were in the best position to judge how alcohol affects people's lives.

He said: "Doctors witness first-hand how alcohol misuse destroys lives. The facts are simple – voluntary measures implemented by the drinks industry are not effective and do not reduce the damage of alcohol misuse in Scotland."