Scottish alcohol age plans defeated

Plans to raise the off-trade purchase age to 21 in Scotland have suffered a major setback after MSPs voted overwhelmingly against the proposal.

Scottish MPs voted against the proposal by 72 votes to 47. The defeat is a major blow to the Scottish National Party (SNP), who would also like to see minimum pricing introduced. However, that part of the bill was not discussed yesterday.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill branded opposition parties "irresponsible" for voting against raising the off-trade purchase age from 18 to 21.

Student groups had also led a protest outside Parliament yesterday.

"The SNP are creating a ludicrous situation whereby students cannot buy a bottle of wine or a few cans of beer to enjoy in their Hall of Residence or flat," said Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser during the debate.

"They are creating an even more ludicrous situation whereby a soldier returning from a tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan at the age of 20 cannot buy a bottle of Champagne from the off-licence to celebrate with his wife on his return.

"And someone buying a bottle for him would be guilty of a criminal offence. But in either case the people involved would still be able to purchase alcohol in a pub. The proposal is inconsistent and unfair."

Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott, who joined student campaigners outside, added: "Under the SNP's plans, some young people won't be able to buy a bottle, but they can have a ballot and a gun to fight for their country."

The news was also welcomed by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association. "Today's debate showed just how out of step the Scottish Government is with the public when it comes to tackling alcohol related harm," said chief executive Jeremy Beadles. "Raising the drinking age, even in the pilot projects referenced, will not reduce alcohol misuse. It is through strictly enforcing the laws we have that progress will be made."