Commenting on the Scottish Government’s announcement that it has set up a Youth Commission to give young people a say on issues surrounding alcohol misuse, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP said:

“I welcome the Government’s proposal to set up Youth Commission to allow young people to have a say on issues surrounding alcohol misuse.

“The Children’s Minister claims that he wants Scottish young people to ‘become responsible and engaged citizens’. I am glad that this Government has finally woken up to the fact that if we are to change the alcohol culture in Scotland, our young people are part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

“I hope, therefore, that the Commission will include those aged between 18 and 21. The Government can then explain to them why it is the SNP’s intention to stigmatise this group of young people as part of the problem by raising the age limit for buying alcohol to 21.”