The Liberal Democrats have criticised Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill for claiming that his highly controversial plans to raise the age to which people can purchase alcohol at off-sales to 21could lead the way globally.

Responding to the Minister's comments, Liberal Democrat Public Health Spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP said:

“The SNP have got it badly wrong with their proposal to raise the off-sales purchase age to 21. Ministers have undermined what is a generally sensible draft strategy with a deeply flawed proposal which if implemented would victimise an entire generation of under 21 year olds, the majority of whom drink responsibly.

"For Kenny MacAskill to now declare that his plans could lead the way globally shows how out of touch he is with the lives of young people across Scotland. The Liberal Democrat's online petition against raising the drinking age for off-sales has already gathered huge support, with many hundreds of signatures pledged.

“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."