Scottish Government to set alcohol prices

by mudricky | March 2, 2009 at 05:03 am

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The Scottish Government has announced plans to set the price that alcohol can be sold for in Scottish supermarkets and off-licences.

They believe that this will help the major problems Scotland face with drink related problems like violence and health problems.

Scottish supermarkets cut prices on alcohol so much that they make no profit on some drinks and it's believed they do that to help get people though their door.

Because of the low prices people are buying more then they require.

Laws will also be brought in that will ban buy one-get-one-free in pups and clubs.

Scotland for 2007 were 8th in a list created by the World Health Organisation of all countries for most units of alcohol sold.

MSP's have backed down from raising the age buying drink from off-sales to 21 - but they will create powers for that to be imposed on a local basis by councils or police.

Also the idea for alcohol-only checkouts in supermarkets and shops were scrapped.

Scotland's Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Plummeting prices and aggressive promotion have led to a surge in consumption, causing and adding to health problems ranging from liver and heart diseases to diabetes, obesity, dementia and cancers.

"We have listened to those who responded to the consultation and modified our proposals where appropriate.

"But we remain determined to press ahead with tough policies to tackle alcohol misuse."

Doctors and police accross Scotland have backed the Scottish Government and if this is agreed, Scotland would be the first country in Europe to price alcohol.

Measures to tackle alcohol abuse by stopping cut-price offers have been outlined by the Scottish Government.
It has proposed a range of measures including the radical step of a minimum price per unit. It would be the first country in Europe to take the step.

The minority government said it also plans to ban discount deals on alcohol.