'Alcohol levy plans set to be backed'

Plans to force licensed premises to contribute to the negative impact of alcohol are likely to receive support. MSPs are considering proposals for a social responsibility levy as part of the controversial Alcohol Bill, drawn up by the Scottish Government to tackle the country's relationship with drink. The provision will ensure retailers and licensed premises, such as nightclubs, pay towards the wider cost of their activities to the community - PA​

British parents are increasingly relaxed about their children drinking alcohol from as young as 10 years old, taking drugs and having sex, according to research released today. One-third of parents - rising to half of those in London - said they were happy for their children to experiment with cannabis. A similar proportion admitted they were relaxed about all drug-taking, regarding it as an inevitable part of growing up - The Guardian​

The number of Scots dying of booze-related illnesses has doubled in a generation, an alcohol abuse expert said yesterday. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Peter Rice claimed adults now consumed twice as much drink as their parents did. Speaking at the start of Alcohol Awareness Week Dr Rice, who works for Tayside Alcohol Problems Service, said: "For younger people, alcohol-related harm is a considerable risk - The Sun ​

Supermarket giant Tesco unveiled a 12.5 per cent rise in half-year profits to £1.6bn today. The result came despite 'modest' UK sales growth in the 26 weeks to August 28, constrained by higher fuel costs as customers spend more at the pump instead of in store and after low food inflation - Daily Mail​