Scottish ministers receive petition opposing under-21 ban

Scottish ministers will today receive a petition signed by 10,000 people, saying that the plan to raise the legal drinking age in the off-trade to 21 is discriminatory.

Petition organisers, The Coalition Against Raising the Drinking Age in Scotland (Cardas) argue that criminalising 18 to 21 year-olds won't change attitudes to drinking.

The Scottish Government's plan to ban alcohol sales to under 21's in the off-trade is part of a raft of measures under consideration to cut alcohol-fuelled crime and health problems in the country. Other measures include setting a minimum price for alcoholic drinks and establishing separate checkouts in supermarkets for the sale of alcohol.

So far a number of drinks organisations have opposed the plans, including the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) and Diageo. The British Medical Association (BMA) is meanwhile backing the proposals.

Do you think Scotland should raise the legal drinking age in the off-trade to 21? Have your say below or in our forum area.

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