SRC: Alcohol problems 'deep rooted'

The reasons behind alcohol misuse are deep-rooted and cannot be solved by simply raising the price of alcohol, the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) claims.

It is one of the groups disappointed with proposals made by the Scottish government to reduce the amount people drink by increasing how much a unit of alcohol can be sold for and stopping under 21s from buying alcohol in shops.

The proposals come as the UK tries to crack down on binge drinking and related harms.

"It is only a small minority of Scots who have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol," commented SRC director Fiona Moriarty.

"Draconian legislation will not change that but it will penalise the
overwhelming majority of customers who consume alcohol perfectly responsibly."

She added: "Why shouldn't responsible Scottish customers be able to benefit from competitively priced products as other UK citizens can?

"Irresponsible drinking is not simply a result of price or availability. Scotland's relationship with alcohol is deep rooted and complex. It needs measures that tackle all aspects of consumption and supply."

Ms Moriarty questioned whether stopping under 21s from buying alcohol would encourage a responsible attitude to alcohol.

"This would simply do cultural damage by demonising and mystifying alcohol, increasing its fascination for young people," she explained.

"It would set up some ridiculous anomalies. How can it be right that a 20-year-old can drink all they like in a pub but not stop at a shop for wine or beer to drink responsibly at home? And internet sales cannot be controlled so is the increase to 21 meaningless anyway?"