MSP calling for new focus on binge drinking
A politician has called for a "new focus" on finding a solution to Scotland's binge drinking problems after plans for blanket minimum alcohol pricing were rejected at Holyrood.
Mr Fraser.
- By Dave Lord
- Published in the Courier : 27.09.10
- Published online : 27.09.10 @ 06.35am
A politician has called for a "new focus" on finding a solution to Scotland's binge drinking problems after plans for blanket minimum alcohol pricing were rejected at Holyrood.
Among those who had opposed the controversial proposal was Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, who said the "indiscriminate" approach would hit responsible drinkers.
He also challenged the legality of minimum pricing and insisted it would damage Scotland's lifeblood whisky industry.
Mr Fraser called for the scheme to be consigned to the history books and said it was time to take the "next step" in the battle against alcohol abuse.
"The fact that minimum pricing has been thrown out proves there is simply no political support for the policy," the MSP said. "It is now time to take the next step in the debate over how to tackle Scotland's drink problem."
Mr Fraser insists there are a raft of alternative measures that would be far more effective.
"Alongside banning below-cost-price sales, the most effective method would be to target problem drinks with extra tax and duty on a UK-wide basis," he said. "This avoids responsible drinkers being penalised, would be more effective at reducing consumption, stop any notion of ‘booze cruises' to Carlisle or Berwick and mean that any extra revenue goes to the taxpayer."
Mr Fraser insisted minimum pricing would have a devastating impact in Perthshire, home to several top distilleries.
"Bringing in minimum pricing would certainly damage the whisky industry which is particularly important in Perthshire," he said. "Local distilleries are a magnet for tourists to our area and are hugely important to the local tourism economy. Those in the industry are deeply concerned about the impact of minimum pricing.
"For the good of the Perthshire whisky industry, the SNP should now withdraw plans for indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing and allow a consensus to be built around measures to tackle alcohol abuse upon which all parties can agree."
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