Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Ross Finnie MSP has pointed out that Labour’s new approach to tackling alcohol misuse is more lenient than the current laws.

Speaking during a debate on alcohol in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Finnie called on the Scottish Government to focus on enforcing the current minimum purchasing age as it stands rather than raising the drinking age for off-sales to 21.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

“Liberal Democrats north and south of the border support the current laws on selling alcohol to minors. At present, retailers who sell alcohol to those under 18 could be stripped of their licence after one offence.

“I am, therefore, puzzled that Labour in supporting a “three strikes and you’re out” approach is now arguing against the current law. They are advocating a more lenient approach.

“Liberal Democrats believe that as long as the current laws are enforced, there is no need to raise the drinking age for off-sales to 21.

“Our young people are part of the solution to Scotland’s lethal relationship with alcohol, not just part of the problem.

“Raising the drinking age for off-sales to 21 is absolutely the wrong move by the SNP. It will introduce a presumption that an entire generation of 18 to 20 year-olds are irresponsible drinkers and will do nothing to improve relations between government and young people.”