SNP resorting to ‘soundbite’ politics to solve booze culture

26/3/08

Margaret Smith MSP has lodged questions in the Scottish Parliament to ascertain how well local authorities are enforcing the existing legal drinking age and is calling for more action to prevent under-18 year olds being able to buy and consume alcohol.

The Edinburgh West MSP has condemned the SNP’s proposal to raise the drinking age to 21 as “soundbite politics”. 

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“The SNP’s proposal to raise the drinking age to 21 is nothing more than soundbite politics.  It’s a simplistic solution to the complex problem of binge drinking and alcohol abuse.

“Anecdotal evidence suggests that retailers and shopkeepers are struggling to enforce the existing drinking age of 18.  I have lodged Parliamentary Questions to get a clearer picture of the extent of this problem.

“I want to see the Government using existing legislation to crack down on retailers and licensees who sell alcohol to those under 18 and licensees who sell alcohol to those who are already intoxicated.

“Liberal Democrats want the Bottle Marking Scheme, trialled successfully in Edinburgh South and the Borders, to be adopted as a national scheme.  The scheme will help police across Scotland track down the retailers responsible for selling alcohol to underage drinkers.  It would be important to back this action up with support for alcohol free activities and facilities like youth cafes and midnight football.

“Instead of trying to grab headlines, ministers should be focused on taking real action to combat the booze culture in Scotland, not criminalising a large number of young people who are currently able to drink legally and do so sensibly.”