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Tackling alcohol misuse
02/04/2008
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will discuss approaches to tackling alcohol misuse with Ministerial colleagues from across Europe at the Building Capacity for Action: European Alcohol Policy conference in Barcelona.
The conference will look at a wide range of issues including priorities for action, involvement of the industry, changing attitudes to drinking and being drunk, prevention of harm and the role of education.
The Scottish Government is currently working on a long term strategic approach to tackle the country's cultural problem with alcohol misuse. Mr MacAskill will find out more about methods being used in other countries, as well as being able to highlight action taken so far in Scotland.
Mr MacAskill said:
"There is no doubt that Scotland as a whole has a problem with alcohol misuse. That problem is taking its toll on our health service, our economy, our criminal justice system and too many of our communities.
"That's why we are taking action - bringing in separate display areas for alcohol, ending irresponsible promotions, rolling out a national test purchasing scheme and working on a long term strategic approach to help change our attitudes and culture.
"It's important to remember that Scotland is not alone, other countries in the European Union are facing similar challenges. This conference will give me a valuable opportunity to learn about approaches that have been taken in other countries and what the results have been so far.
"For example, I understand that Germany will be keen to discuss measures to change attitudes to drinking, while the Catalans are focusing on targeting middle aged drinkers as well as the young - both areas we in Scotland will need to consider.
"I believe that working together, learning from others and ruling nothing out can help us make sure Scotland is better placed to tackle our alcohol problem and help young and old, rich and poor alike."
The European Action on Alcohol Conference is taking place in Barcelona from April 2 to 5. The Justice Secretary will take part in a round table discussion, other participants are expected to include:
- Marina Geli, Regional Minister for Health in Catalonia
- Adam Fronczack, Deputy Minster for Health in Poland
- Sabine Baetzing, Federal Drug Commissioner in Germany
- Bernat Soria, Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs in Spain
- Zofija Mazej Kukovi, Minister of Health in Slovenia
- Maria Larsson, Minister of Elderly Care and Public Health in Sweden
- Maret Maripuu, Minister of Social Affairs in Slovenia
- Marc Danzon, WHO Regional Director for Europe
- Robert Madelin, Director General, Health and Consumer
- Protection in the European Commission
- Jillian van Turnhout, the Vice President of the European Economic and Social Committee