SNP must not re-introduce failed attempt to raise off-sales purchasing age

Reports today state that the SNP Government will give local authorities the power to prevent people under the age of 21 from buying alcohol from many off-sales, corner shops and supermarkets.

Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said:

"No one denies that Scotland's drink culture must be tackled, but we must remember that the SNP's attempt to increase the alcohol purchase age for all off-sales in Scotland was rejected three years ago when my motion was voted through Parliament.

"We would be very concerned if this was simply a ploy to reintroduce the same blanket policy by the back door. If off-sales premises are found to be selling alcohol to under 18s then surely the best solution is to revoke their licence rather than penalise responsible 18 to 21 year olds? It doesn't make sense.

"The SNP is confused on the issue of the age of responsibility. They want to reduce the voting age to 16, yet raise the off-sales purchase age to 21. It is ludicrous to suggest that Scotland's student population cannot purchase alcohol and it will do nothing to promote Scotland as a place to study. Nothing is more likely to send out mixed messages than pulling age limitations in all different directions."

On October 2nd 2008 the Scottish Parliament passed the following motion by 72 to 47 votes.

That the Parliament rejects the Scottish Government's proposals to raise the age limit for purchasing alcohol from off-licences and supermarkets from 18 to 21

Kenny MacAskill's amendment against the motion fell by 48 to 71 votes.

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