WSTA: Millions will suffer

Rather than targeting Scotland's alcohol misuse problem, raising the cost of alcohol and banning under 21s from buying alcohol in shops will simply penalise millions of responsible drinkers, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

The group, which represents 321 companies, said the Scottish government has taken too simplistic a view in thinking that all Scots drink too much.

It is one of a number of groups angry at proposals from the Scottish government designed to reduce the number of people drinking dangerous amounts of alcohol.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said that under the proposals all Scottish families will effectively be taxed more if they want to drink alcohol.

"At a time when family budgets are under pressure from rising energy and food costs, consumers will wonder why politicians want to increase their misery."

Commenting on the proposed under 21s ban on buying alcohol in shops, he said: "We should be treating 18-year-olds like adults if we expect them to act like adults.

"If they can serve in the military, pay taxes, hold a job and vote then they should be able to buy and have a drink."