Scottish alcohol plan at-a-glance

Measures to tackle alcohol abuse in Scotland have been outlined by the Scottish Government.

It has proposed a mix of shorter-term legislative measures and longer-term strategies. Some of the proposals, such as action on alcohol advertising, would need co-operation from the UK Government.

Here is the detail of the plans:

• End irresponsible drink promotions, such as two-for-one offers, and the below-cost sale of alcohol in licensed premises.
• Pursue the establishment of a minimum price per unit of alcohol, including further research on setting the level.
• Place a duty on licensing boards to consider raising the age for off-sales purchases from 18 to 21 in part or all of their areas.
• Give chief constables powers to request a review of their local licensing board's policy.
• Restrict the use of alcohol advertising in off-licenses to one of the two display areas permitted under current law.
• Ban the marketing, in licensed premises, of the sale of alcohol at prices other than the one at which it is currently sold, such as "Was �5.99, now �2.99" offers.
• Place a "social responsibility fee" on some alcohol retailers to help deal with the costs of the adverse consequences of alcohol.
• Support the introduction of legislation requiring licensed premises to offer measures of 125ml of wine and 25ml measures of spirits.
• A youth commission to look into the impact of alcohol on young people, reporting back 2009.
• Review the current advice given to parents and carers on alcohol and related issues.
• Arrange a Scottish survey of the levels of fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition where children suffer developmental problems because their mothers drank alcohol while pregnant.
• Police and prosecutors to identify any tougher steps to enforce licensing laws.
• Review the use of test-purchasing to tackle underage alcohol sales and identify lessons for the future.
• Set out new ways to support adults deemed to be drunk and incapable.
• Scottish Government will press UK ministers for a reduction in drink driving limits and new police powers for random breath testing.

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