Scottish age-raise plans come under fresh fire

Published: 02 October, 2008

Plans by the Scottish government to raise the legal purchasing age in off-licenses to 21 came under fresh fire today as MSP's met to debate the decision.

Plans by the Scottish government to raise the legal purchasing age in off-licenses to 21 came under fresh fire today as MSP's met to debate the decision.

Campaigners from the Coalition Against Raising the Drinking Age in Scotland (CARDAS), a student and youth coalition, staged a protest outside Holyrood. They had already submitted a 10,000 strong petition opposing the plan earlier this month.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), who have already publicly spoken out against the proposed legislation, also poured fresh criticism on the plans today. Chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "Today's debate showed just how out of step the Scottish government is with the public when it comes to tackling alcohol related harm.

"Raising the drinking age, even in the pilot projects referenced, will not reduce alcohol misuse. It is through strictly enforcing the laws we have that progress will be made."

Opposition parties are set to back a parliamentary motion urging MSPs to reject the proposals. John Drummond, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF), said: "It appears many MSPs share SGF's view that the proposal included in the Scottish government's recent consultation on alcohol, to increase the age limit to purchase alcohol in off-sales, from 18 to 21, is unfair and discriminatory.

"We are all aware that Scotland has a complex relationship with alcohol which must change, however, this ridiculous proposal is in danger of overshadowing the entire discussion on challenging Scotland's drinking culture."