Post by Neko Bazu on Mar 2, 2009 10:12:39 GMT -1
uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090302/tuk-crackdown-on-alcohol-price-planned-6323e80.html
Poor sweaties ;D
Scottish government ministers have announced plans to set a minimum price for alcohol in a bid to stop drink being sold for "pocket money prices".
Cut-price offers encouraging bulk buying are also to be banned in the country, along with money saving promotions like "three for two" deals.
In addition, the display and marketing of drink is to be restricted to specific areas within off sales premises.
Scottish ministers also plan to create legal powers to introduce a "social responsibility fee" for some retailers.
The plans were revealed when the government published its blueprint for tackling the problem of binge drinking in Scotland, especially among the young, which costs the country an estimated £2.25 billion.
The crackdown was launched at Glasgow Royal Infirmary by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon and justice secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Plans to raise the minimum age for buying drink in off-sales to 21 have been watered down.
Instead, ministers plan to put a legal obligation on licensing boards to "consider" whether drink problems in their area warrant raising the age to 21. Local police chief constables will also be able to request such a move.
Also dropped from the original proposals is a plan to introduce alcohol only checkouts in supermarkets and shops. The government said this had been opposed particularly from small retailers who lacked the floor space and staff.
But ministers warned that if retailers do not co-operate with plans to curb "irresponsible" promotions, the government might think again at that area.
Cut-price offers encouraging bulk buying are also to be banned in the country, along with money saving promotions like "three for two" deals.
In addition, the display and marketing of drink is to be restricted to specific areas within off sales premises.
Scottish ministers also plan to create legal powers to introduce a "social responsibility fee" for some retailers.
The plans were revealed when the government published its blueprint for tackling the problem of binge drinking in Scotland, especially among the young, which costs the country an estimated £2.25 billion.
The crackdown was launched at Glasgow Royal Infirmary by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon and justice secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Plans to raise the minimum age for buying drink in off-sales to 21 have been watered down.
Instead, ministers plan to put a legal obligation on licensing boards to "consider" whether drink problems in their area warrant raising the age to 21. Local police chief constables will also be able to request such a move.
Also dropped from the original proposals is a plan to introduce alcohol only checkouts in supermarkets and shops. The government said this had been opposed particularly from small retailers who lacked the floor space and staff.
But ministers warned that if retailers do not co-operate with plans to curb "irresponsible" promotions, the government might think again at that area.
Poor sweaties ;D
