Scots clampdown branded "blunt and ineffective
Fierce opposition has been voiced over radical plans to tackle alcohol-related problems in Scotland - with one brewer branding the measures "blunt and ineffective".
Yesterday ministers confirmed plans to introduce a minimum price on alcohol, along with a ban on cut-price promotions. The display and marketing of alcohol will also be restricted to certain areas of off-trade premises.
And local police chiefs will also have the power to bring in a ban on off-trade sales to under-21s.
Kristin Wolfe, head of alcohol policy for brewer SABMiller, said the measures "impact all drinkers irrespective of whether they drink sensibly or not".
She added: "It is our view and experience that action against alcohol misuse needs to be targeted specifically towards those who do not drink responsibly or legally, rather than all adult consumers.
"Measures taken should educate consumers, providing them with all the information necessary to make informed decisions about their personal responsibility towards the consumption of alcohol."
Drinks watchdog the Portman Group echoed the views. Chief executive David Poley said the measures would "punish all drinkers while only scratching at the surface of our drinking culture".
"People who drink to get drunk would not be influenced by these measures," he said.
"We should be targeting the harmful drinking minority through better education and effective law enforcement."
Meanwhile the Scotch Whisky Association urged the government to withdraw the minimum price proposal, arguing it was both a breach of EU and International Trade law.
Chief executive Gavin Hewitt said: "It is hard to believe any Scottish government would bring forward proposals that are likely to be both illegal in international trade law and risk damaging the whisky industry. Regrettably, minimum pricing achieves both and undermines our success in breaking down illegal discrimination against Scotch Whisky around the world."
However the Campaign for Real Ale welcomed the move to tackle below-cost selling in supermarkets.
Chief executive Mike Benner said: "A person who is addicted to alcohol is completely free to buy an enormous amount of alcohol at ridiculously low cost and then consume it, either at home or on the streets.
"It is well documented that irresponsible price promotions in the off trade are a major cause of binge drinking and alcohol related disorder.
"Well-run community pubs are being undermined as a result of unfair competition from the major supermarkets selling alcohol at below cost."
