Students from across Scotland protested outside Holyrood today as MSPs debated moves to ban under-21s from buying drink in off-licences. VIDEO
Students from across Scotland protested outside Holyrood today as MSPs debated moves to ban under-21s from buying drink in off-licences.
The rally by NUS Scotland and a coalition of youth organisations was planned to coincide with a debate in which opposition MSPs will attack the plan.
The proposal was floated in June by the Scottish Government as one of a package of measures to tackle alcohol abuse.
Others include a minimum price for drink and an end to promotions like "three for two".
The off-sales ban for under-21s has proved one of the most controversial.
NUS Scotland president Gurjit Singh said 10,000 signatures had already been collected for a protest petition.
"In comparison, the Scottish Government has presented some statistically flawed pilot projects and a small survey of young people in which, by the government's own admission, only a third of respondents supported this move," he said.
Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser, whose party instigated today's debate, attacked the "ludicrous" plan and called instead for tougher enforcement of existing laws.
"In 2005-06, only seven people under 18 were proceeded against in Scottish courts for buying alcohol or consuming alcohol in a bar," he said.
"Let us see a proper clampdown on those breaking the law as it stands and let us see what effect that has before we consider altering the current age limit."
Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said: "The Scottish Government's proposal would mean that a 20-year-old willing to risk his or her life for their country could go to the pub to celebrate returning safely but not buy a bottle of beer in a shop.
"Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign against this ludicrous plan."
But SNP backbencher Michael Matheson accused opposition parties of failing to offer any alternative to the government's proposals.
And Boris Johnson, Tory mayor of London, supported raising the off-sales age limit to 21, he said.
"Instead of engaging constructively in the consultation process, or even waiting to see its results, the opposition is blindly ignoring the evidence of three successful pilot schemes which have made a real impact in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in those communities," said Mr Matheson.
"When we have evidence that a new approach can bring real benefits to some communities, as the pilot schemes on off-sales have done, it is only right that we consider spreading those benefits across the country."
