SNP ALCOHOL PLANS LET DOWN STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE

12.00.00am GMT Mon 2nd Mar 2009

Leading Libdem and South of Scotland MSP, Jim Hume, has today commented on the Scottish Government's discriminatory alcohol plans which will ban off licence sales to under 21s.

The Government has now said it will ask local licensing boards to make decisions so it keeps its policy, but passes the buck when it comes to the difficult decision making.

Jim Hume MSP said:

"Liberal Democrats campaigned hard against the SNP's plan to raise the legal age for buying alcohol.

"We believe that it stigmatises an entire generation of young people as irresponsible drinkers.

"The Government is wrong to think that it can avoid responsibility for this ludicrous plan by shunting it to local authorities.

"Why is it that this Government dumps the promises that really matter to Scotland's students and young people at the drop of a hat, but clings on to plans that demonise them all as irresponsible drinkers?

The MSP continued:

"The problem of alcohol misuse in Scotland is hugely complex with a great number of social and other variable factors attached, and demonising young people by banning them from buying alcohol in shops will serve no useful purpose in tackling the issue head on."

ENDS