Scottish alcohol plan will hit consumers, says WSTA

Published: 23 July, 2008

Consumers face further financial misery thanks to today's Scottish Executive's Alcohol and Health Action Plan, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned.

The WSTA believes the proposals will put up prices for millions of responsible drinkers without addressing the root causes of Scotland's drinking culture.

WSTA Chief Executive Jeremy Beadles said: "The Scottish Government has decided all Scots drink too much and all must pay the price. The message is simple. They want Scottish families to pay more tax.

"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." Alongside proposals to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in shops, the Scottish Government also plans to introduce a ban on sale of alcohol to under 21s in shops.

Beadles added: "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."

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