Drink culture

The Scottish Government's proposals to tackle the heavy toll of alcohol abuse are bold but, despite agreement that radical measures are needed, will prove divisive. The most controversial is to raise the minimum age for buying alcohol from off-licences and super- markets from 18 to 21. It follows pilot schemes in three areas which reduced crime and vandalism, but applying it across the country would highlight the inconsistency of allowing 18 to 21-year-olds to buy alcohol in pubs and clubs but not in shops. It also sends a confusing message to young people deemed old enough to marry, become parents, be sent to war and elect a government. It becomes ludicrous when proposed by politicians who are also suggesting lowering the voting age to 16. The real lesson of the pilot schemes may be to enforce the current law more effectively to prevent under-18s buying alcohol or having it bought for them.