Alcohol Bill fails to address root of problem (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Alcohol Bill fails to address root of problem

November 21, 2009 2:54 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Commenting ahead of the publication of the Scottish Governments Alcohol Bill, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Robert Brown MSP said:

Reportedly, this Bill is being published without specifying what minimum price the Government want to impose. This is no use at all. The Scottish Parliament needs to know the detail of the Bill so we can examine and test it properly.

The Liberal Democrats dont believe that the minimum pricing proposals will stand up to close examination. This is for three reasons. The proposal is almost certainly illegal under European competition law. It will have at best only a marginal effect on those who abuse alcohol most. Finally, this measure is not what Scotland needs. We need to stop tolerating drunkenness, alcohol fuelled violence and routine excess of alcohol, especially in public places. In short we need a complete culture change in Scotland in how people view alcohol.