Scots plan to raise age at which young people can buy alcohol from off-licences
Sarah Cooper
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Young people under 21 in Scotland will no longer be able to buy alcohol from off-licences as part of the Scottish government's alcohol strategy.
The plans also involve stopping the sale of three-for-two type price promotions on alcohol. But the legal drinking age will remain at 18, so the move will only affect off-licences, not pubs and bars.
Nicola Sturgeon, the cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing, said: “We believe that by raising the age for off-sales purchase of alcohol to 21, together with better enforcement, we will reduce excessive consumption among young people.”
The strategy also outlined plans for an £85m increase in alcohol prevention, treatment and support services, bringing the total amount to £120m over the next three years, some of which had already been announced as part of the spending review.
The consultation document says 65,000 children are living with a parent or carer who has an alcohol problem. The consultation on the strategy will run until September 9. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/16084348/0
Nicola Sturgeon, the cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing, said: “We believe that by raising the age for off-sales purchase of alcohol to 21, together with better enforcement, we will reduce excessive consumption among young people.”
The strategy also outlined plans for an £85m increase in alcohol prevention, treatment and support services, bringing the total amount to £120m over the next three years, some of which had already been announced as part of the spending review.
The consultation document says 65,000 children are living with a parent or carer who has an alcohol problem. The consultation on the strategy will run until September 9. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/16084348/0
