ACS

Following a Scottish Conservative Party debate on age limits on purchases of alcohol held in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the Scottish Government was defeated by 72 votes to 47 votes.

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), along with several other trade and student associations lobbied MSPs extensively regarding this proposal.

John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish SGF said: “It appears many MSPs share SGF’s view that the proposal included in the Scottish Government’s recent consultation on alcohol, to increase the age limit to purchase alcohol in off-sales, from 18 to 21, is unfair and discriminatory.

“We are all aware that Scotland has a complex relationship with alcohol which must change, however, this ridiculous proposal is in danger of overshadowing the entire discussion on challenging Scotland’s drinking culture.

“SGF are committed to the principles of partnership with the Scottish Government in order to achieve our shared goals of promoting responsible drinking and tackling alcohol misuse, through a range of joint activities. Next week SGF members will welcome sixty-seven MSPs into their stores in support of Alcohol Awareness Week which promotes sensible drinking guidelines.

“SGF wants to be part of a culture where responsible alcohol consumption can be a pleasurable and sociable activity and inappropriate drinking is no longer acceptable. Now is the time for serious discussion and we would urge the Government to drop this proposal.”

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We supported SGF throughout their lobbying efforts in this campaign and they did very well in achieving this result. We are glad that common sense prevailed in this debate.”