Commenting on a report which reveals that GP consultations where alcohol was a factor are costing the NHS an estimated £28 million a year in Scotland, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown said:

“The cost of alcohol abuse in Scotland is huge. It not only has an impact on public health as these figures reveal but can have a damaging effect on wider society.

“There needs to be stringent action in Scotland to tackle the root causes of alcohol abuse to reverse these worrying figures.

“Liberal Democrats will continue to look for the rigorous enforcement of the laws against selling alcohol to drunk people and underage young people.

“The new powers in the 2005 and 2010 Alcohol Bills are designed to give Licensing Boards more powers and to lead to more localised and effective strategies to tackle alcohol abuse and to change the culture of alcohol excess.

“We need to focus on early intervention when tackling alcohol abuse issues, specifically working with families with complex needs and parents with substance misuse problems.”